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How to Stop Being Lazy

What to ditch: old habits, what to start doing: new approaches, make good food choices, incorporate exercise, prioritize sleep, practice stress management, set boundaries, avoid comparisons.

Feeling lazy and unproductive is normal sometimes, but problems can arise when it happens often. The list of tasks still undone and issues not addressed can eventually affect self-image and confidence, which in turn can feed a lack of motivation. Here are a few tips and strategies to break the cycle and overcome laziness.

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What you might think of as "lazy" may just be a matter of switching your approach and getting rid of old, unhelpful habits that have kept you from feeling productive and achieving your goals. Here are several such habits:

Making your goals too big or complicated . If you give up before completing a task, it might not be laziness. Instead, you might have underestimated how much effort and time it will take to reach your goals.
Expecting yourself to be perfect . Instead, understand that the path toward your goal is most likely going to be full of twists, turns, and setbacks.
Listening to your inner critic . If the term "lazy" is part of your self-talk, many more negative and critical statements are probably coming from your inner critic , too. You may even bring out your inner critic in an attempt to motivate yourself. What happens then: Your critical voice focuses on your flaws and shortcomings, rather than strengths and positive attributes that could help you move forward.
Listening to criticism from others . Feedback from others helps shape your self-concept . Being called "lazy" can affect how you see yourself. Similarly, criticism of your efforts can cause self-doubt or discouragement.
Not creating a plan . When excited about a new goal, you might forget the importance of creating a plan. Without a roadmap to your goal, you might become overwhelmed and begin to feel aimless.

Here are achievable steps that can help you turn things around or stay on track with your goals:

Create small, attainable goals . Break that huge goal into smaller goals that will help you feel accomplished and motivated. As you consider the big picture, remember the key steps that will be needed to get there and write them down. If needed, break those down into even smaller or shorter-term goals.
Take time to develop a plan . Reflect on your desires and goals, considering those small, attainable steps to get there. Be realistic about the amount of effort, time, money, help, or other factors involved in meeting this goal. Going into the process with an action plan will help you feel more confident and peaceful, as well as give you something to refer to when you feel discouraged or have a setback.
Focus on your strengths . If you're used to an inner critic that focuses on your flaws and shortcomings, take inventory of your strengths. Consider challenges you have faced and reflect on the personal strengths you used to get through them. If you still struggle to identify character strengths , ask friends or family what they see as your greatest strengths.
Celebrate small victories . Celebrate your victories as you accomplish small goals and overcome setbacks so you continue moving forward. The pride in meeting goals can help reinforce positive self-talk. Your sense of self-efficacy will increase with each accomplishment, which can help you find long-term success.
Recruit support . It's OK to ask for help. Connect with others in a positive, healthy way and share your experience; their encouragement and support can help you develop resiliency .

Taking care of our physical health can help set the stage for increased energy which, in turn, can allow us to put these other positive changes into action.

Diet plays a significant role in energy levels. Processed convenience foods are quick to grab on the go, but they usually don't offer enough nutrition to keep your metabolic fires burning well.

Instead, go for protein to maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid energy crashes throughout the day. Nosh on these:

Dark leafy greens

But avoid these:

French fries
Sugary drinks

Eating small meals throughout the day can help you maintain steady energy levels, whereas large, heavy meals can cause sluggishness.

Research has shown that even just low to moderate levels of exercise can have a significant impact on energy, helping to reduce fatigue. Ways to incorporate more exercise include:

Walking your dog
Jogging with a friend
Hiking with a group
Attending a group fitness class
Trying a yoga class

When It's Not Simple Laziness

Sometimes, a lack of motivation can signal an underlying condition such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression . Consult your healthcare provider if you're feeling less productive than usual for an extended period to rule out (or address) any physical or psychological problems.

If you tend to feel lazy, you might think you're getting too much sleep or napping too much. Create and stick to a consistent sleep care routine . It can help you stick to your daytime schedule and, in turn, help you feel more balanced and energized to take on tasks and feel more productive.

Being constantly overscheduled, with demands in multiple areas of life, can leave you physically and emotionally drained. This exhaustion can make you seem lazy when you're actually stressed and overwhelmed.

A significant element of stress management is using time wisely. Saying "yes" to your coworkers, partner, children, and friends is easy, but fulfilling commitments can be difficult.

Look at how you spend your time. Take stock of unfinished tasks on your to-do list. Consider where you can politely say "no" so that you can use that time for things that need your attention and energy.

If the idea of setting boundaries is new to you, start by giving yourself permission to do it. Then, start with small things.

Being afraid of how people will respond to you is OK. Your goal is to improve self-care, increase energy, and feel empowered to tackle the tasks and goals that are important to you. Creating time for yourself is key, and setting small boundaries around your time will help you do just that.

It's natural to look around and think everyone else is getting it right except you. Don't allow yourself to get caught in the destructive, distracting habit of comparing yourself to others .

A Word From Verywell

Taking small steps toward better self-care, increased energy, improved goals, and healthy boundary-setting can help you stop feeling lazy in no time. Prioritizing your progress and moving forward consistently are the keys to long-term change, and you can begin right now with the ideas here.

Ntoumanis N, Healy LC, Sedikides C, Smith AL, Duda JL. Self-regulatory responses to unattainable goals: the role of goal motives . Self Identity . 2014;13(5):594-612. doi:10.1080/15298868.2014.889033

Kelly JD. Your best life: perfectionism--the bane of happiness . Clin Orthop Relat Res . 2015;473(10):3108-11. doi:10.1007/s11999-015-4279-9

Wright S. Silence your inner critic . Nurs Stand . 2014;28(44):28-9. doi:10.7748/ns.28.44.28.s31

Hardavella G, Aamli-gaagnat A, Saad N, Rousalova I, Sreter KB. How to give and receive feedback effectively . Breathe (Sheff). 2017;13(4):327-333. doi:10.1183/20734735.009917

Lenzen SA, Daniëls R, Van bokhoven MA, Van der weijden T, Beurskens A. Disentangling self-management goal setting and action planning: A scoping review . PLoS ONE . 2017;12(11):e0188822. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0188822

Proyer RT, Gander F, Wellenzohn S, Ruch W. Strengths-based positive psychology interventions: a randomized placebo-controlled online trial on long-term effects for a signature strengths- vs. a lesser strengths-intervention . Front Psychol . 2015;6:456. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00456

Zlomuzica A, Preusser F, Schneider S, Margraf J. Increased perceived self-efficacy facilitates the extinction of fear in healthy participants . Front Behav Neurosci . 2015;9:270. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00270

Sjøgaard G, Christensen JR, Justesen JB, et al. Exercise is more than medicine: The working age population's well-being and productivity . J Sport Health Sci . 2016;5(2):159-165. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2016.04.004

Harvard Health Publishing. Eating to boost energy .

Cleveland Clinic. How small, frequent meals can help athletes keep energy high . Published June 4, 2018.

Puetz TW, Flowers SS, O'connor PJ. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of aerobic exercise training on feelings of energy and fatigue in sedentary young adults with persistent fatigue . Psychother Psychosom . 2008;77(3):167-74. doi:10.5312/wjo.v6.i10.762

Takahashi M. Prioritizing sleep for healthy work schedules . J Physiol Anthropol . 2012;31:6. doi:10.1159/000116610

Williams-Nickelson C. Avoiding overcommitment . American Psychological Association.

Bergagna E, Tartaglia S. Self-esteem, social comparison, and Facebook use . Eur J Psychol . 2018;14(4):831-845. doi:10.5964/ejop.v14i4.1592

By Jodi Clarke, MA, LPC/MHSP Jodi Clarke, LPC/MHSP is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. She specializes in relationships, anxiety, trauma and grief.

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How to Stop Being Lazy and Unmotivated So You Can Achieve Your Goals

Last Updated: May 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Improving Your Mindset

Taking action, energizing yourself, staying motivated, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Annie Lin, MBA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Annie Lin is the founder of New York Life Coaching, a life and career coaching service based in Manhattan. Her holistic approach, combining elements from both Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, has made her a highly sought-after personal coach. Annie’s work has been featured in Elle Magazine, NBC News, New York Magazine, and BBC World News. She holds an MBA degree from Oxford Brookes University. Annie is also the founder of the New York Life Coaching Institute which offers a comprehensive life coach certification program. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,528,532 times.

Everyone feels lazy from time-to-time, but sometimes you get stuck in a funk. What you’re experiencing is totally normal, and you have the power to change your habits for the better. We’re here to help you break out of your pattern of laziness so you can start tackling the things that are important to you. With our help, you’ll be able to beat procrastination and regain your motivation.

Things You Should Know

Clean and organize your space. Having clutter around you can negatively affect your ability to get motivated.
Tell yourself that you can break this habit of laziness. Negative self-talk only holds you back, so monitor your thoughts and put a positive spin on them.
Break large goals into smaller, more achievable goals. Accomplishing a goal, even a small one, will motivate you to keep moving forward.

Keeping a daily schedule also helps you stay organized.

Replace thoughts like, “I’m so lazy,” with, “I needed this rest. Now, I can tackle a new task.”
Tell yourself things like, “I can do this,” “Progress adds up over time, so I’m doing great,” and “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Are you doing something you don’t like?
Are you tired or overwhelmed?
Are you feeling depressed or anxious?
Are you afraid of failure? Success?

If you're tired, start devoting some time to relaxing. Everyone needs down time, so schedule breaks for yourself
If you're overwhelmed, try to simplify your routine. Break up what you need to do into smaller parts and prioritize.
If you're afraid, take a small step toward facing your fear.
If you're hurting, maybe the only answer is time. Grief and sadness will fade in time, and you can’t rush the process.
If you're uninspired, what can you change about your routine? Can you put yourself in a different environment? How can you vamp up everyday life?

Really engage your 5 senses to focus on the present. Look at the scene around you, listen to music, smell a lovely scent. Just enjoy being rooted to the earth.

Step 6 Picture yourself being successful.

Future you might be healthier or more successful.
You might be living your ideal life.

Try using the 5-second rule. When you start to feel stressed or get the urge to procrastinate, give yourself 5 seconds to start the activity. [8] X Research source

For some tasks, like a big project, you might need to start earlier so you have enough time to get it all done.
It’s okay to switch between tasks and work on more than one goal at a time. Just make sure you’re not rushing yourself.
Try to focus on one task at a time rather than multitasking. You actually get more done if you focus solely on the task at hand.

“I can do this.”
“I’ve worked so hard for this, and I deserve to succeed.”
“I’m creating the life I want.”
“Every step makes a difference.”

Having an accountability partner can be a big help when you’re working toward a goal. Ask a friend to check in with you regularly to see what kind of progress you’re making.
Make sure to surround yourself with people that support and drive you.

Set deadlines for yourself, but be flexible. Sometimes you have to adjust your expectations because you underestimated a task.

Step 6 Compliment yourself every step of the way.

“I’m doing a great job.”
“I’m proud of myself for making it this far.”
“I knew I could do it.”
“I’m so talented.”

Try placing your alarm clock on the other side of the room so that you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. This makes pressing the snooze button or falling back asleep much more difficult.
Literally jump to get your blood circulating. It may be the last thing you want to do, but if you can make yourself, you'll be all that more alive after.

Let’s say your goal is to write a research paper. Your smaller steps might include: choose a topic, conduct research, develop a thesis, write an outline, write a first draft, revise the paper, and finalize the paper.
Try keeping a journal or planner so you can track what you plan to do and what you achieve.
Create a vision board to inspire you to pursue your goals.

Step 3 Make a checklist so you can check off small tasks.

Once those checks start accumulating, you won't want to stop. You'll literally see what you've been working towards and what you're capable of and that momentum will feel so good you'll have to keep going. You'd be disappointed and feel worse if you didn't.

Step 4 Remind yourself why your goals are important to you.

How will this shape my future?
Where will I be in a year?
How will this make me happy?
What can I do better?

Step 5 Tell yourself you can do something.

Tell yourself, “I’ll do my best and celebrate my progress,” and “I’ll keep going no matter what.”

It’s okay to break up your exercise into several small blocks. For instance, you might exercise for 10 minutes 3 times a day.
Did we mention exercise is also a huge part of being healthy? When we're healthy, we feel better on the whole. In general, most people need 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Vitamins and supplements can also help boost your nutrition.
If you're worried you have a nutritional deficiency, talk to your doctor.

When in doubt, wear outfits that make you look and feel your best.

Step 1 Reward yourself for every achievement.

Watch a movie.
Take a long break.
Eat your favorite dessert.
Purchase something you’ve been wanting.

Post the list somewhere you can see it, like in your workspace or on your phone’s lock screen.

Step 3 Remind yourself that hard work is worth it.

You won't be a great businessman, a great runner, a great cook, or even great at your job overnight. It’s normal to experience failures on the road to success, so keep going.

For instance, you might be able to ask family members or roommates to help with some of your chores.
Similarly, you might decide to drop a hobby so you have more time to work on the goal that’s most important to you.

Remember to just get started. You can do this!

Overcome Laziness and Procrastination with this Expert Series

1 - How to Stop Being Lazy and Unmotivated So You Can Achieve Your Goals

Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether it is through media, technology or otherwise. The love, support and encouragement of others can boost your inner strength. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Drink cold water when you feel lazy because water stimulates your brain. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Try using the 20/10 technique. A 20/10 is 20 minutes of completing a task followed by a 10-minute break. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 4

It’s normal to feel demotivated at times, especially if you’re going through a rough time. If you’re struggling to regain your motivation, talk to a therapist . Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/boost-your-motivation-in-6-ways#how-to-boost-motivation
↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-use-self-talk-to-improve-performance#1
↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201505/the-causes-of-laziness
↑ Annie Lin, MBA. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 November 2019.
↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/202008/how-overcome-feeling-lazy
↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/motivation-how-to-get-started-and-staying-motivated
↑ https://www.inc.com/thomas-koulopoulos/according-to-science-this-5-second-rule-will-make-.html
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/motivation.html
↑ https://hbr.org/2017/07/the-science-of-pep-talks
↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/suggestions-for-setting-realistic-expectations-with-yourself#others-expectations
↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/boost-your-motivation-in-6-ways#getting-motivated
↑ https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/dec/does-hitting-the-snooze-button-help-or-hurt/
↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
↑ http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html
↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/
↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dress-for-success-how-clothes-influence-our-performance/
↑ https://hbr.org/2020/08/your-to-do-list-is-in-fact-too-long

About This Article

If you're struggling to overcome laziness, come up with a solution to fix the cause of your laziness. For example, if you're lazy because you feel tired, devote 30 minutes to taking a nap and then start on your to-do list. In the mornings, get out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off, and make a checklist of all of the things you need to accomplish during the day. If you become frustrated or overwhelmed by a task, take a step back to go do something easier, and then revisit the task again to finish it. Keep reading for helpful advice on getting and staying motivated throughout the day. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Stop Being Lazy: 24 Tips That Actually Work!

Disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links to select partners. We receive a commission should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Are you a lazy person? Do you struggle to get things done?

Everyone’s been there before. Sometimes it’s just so difficult to find the motivation to get all of the things done.

Maybe you’re overworked, dealing with a medical issue, or you’re just burned out. Mustering the energy when your tank is on Empty can be near impossible.

But wait a minute… did you catch what we said there? Maybe you’re overworked , dealing with a medical issue , or you’re just burned out ?

Do any of those things sound like laziness?

Like you just don’t want to do the things that you know you should be doing? That would better your life? That will help you maintain the quality of your life?

The word “lazy” is shaming language that is starting to get challenged in mental health circles.

What we call laziness doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual reasons behind why we aren’t doing what we need to do.

Is a person lazy because they’re too exhausted to do additional work?

Is a person lazy because they struggle with depression and their body isn’t producing the energy to do the work?

Is a person lazy who shuts down because they are overwhelmed by their anxiety?

Is a person lazy because they feel like they aren’t being respected and just don’t want to do the work?

Lazy, by definition, is simply an unwillingness to work or use energy. But it’s seldom used in such a neutral way. Instead, we use it against ourselves as a way to shame ourselves into doing the work. Other people use it against us to try to shame us into motivation.

You can’t be lazy. You shouldn’t be lazy. You have things to do! Responsibilities and all of that!

And a lot of that just comes from the social construct of our work ethic. America is the land of opportunity. So if you’re not succeeding, you must be lazy and not working hard enough! Which is an attitude that completely ignores the randomness of success.

Hard work can make you more likely to succeed. However, there are still plenty of people out there who will break their backs in hard labor and never experience “success” in the way it’s marketed to be.

Still, we need to find the motivation and path toward our success. No one else is going to do the work for you.

So, how can you stop being lazy?

Consult a life coach to help you break through the ‘laziness’ that is holding you back. Use the quick and simple form on Bark.com to have qualified life coaches email you to discuss their coaching services and provide quotes.

1. Accept yourself for what you are.

The word “lazy” has negative connotations. There’s no real way around that. It’s the most common way that word is used.

But you’re allowed to be a person who doesn’t always want to do stuff constantly. That may be an active choice, or it might be something imposed on you from an external factor.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to be kind and compassionate with yourself. Clearly, you care about your motivation and ability to get things done. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here reading this article. You wouldn’t be out hunting for knowledge on being more productive and getting more things done.

People will often use metaphors like, “You don’t have to be working all the time. You’re not a machine.” Which isn’t really correct. Anyone who’s worked with machines knows that machines don’t work all the time either. They regularly go down for maintenance. Otherwise, they break and need fixing. And much like a machine, you can’t be productive all the time.

Avoid calling yourself lazy. Avoid shaming yourself. Putting negative thoughts into your head will make the situation harder on yourself than it needs to be.

2. Understand why you are not motivated.

Can you identify why you’re not motivated? Why do you feel you are lazy? Identifying the why will let you find solutions to the problem that may not be as simple as just not wanting to work.

Consider questions like:

How often do you get breaks? Are you working all the time? Do you have the energy to do the things that you are going to do? Do you get good sleep?

Do you have a good diet? Are your body and brain getting the right nutrients they need to help keep you motivated and energetic?

Is it a mental health concern? Do you find yourself overwhelmed constantly? Do you feel hopeless or apathetic? Do you feel like nothing matters? Do you feel like there are too many decisions to make?

All of these things may point to medical reasons for your lack of motivation and desire. If you can’t pinpoint a reason, it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health professional about it. They may be able to help you hone in on the reason.

3. Develop better habits.

People are creatures of habit. Sometimes, laziness and lack of motivation can be rooted in our regular habits.

For example, let’s say you work from home. Every day at about 2 PM, you decide to take a nap for your lunch break. Your body and brain will get accustomed to having that nap every day, so when it gets to be about 1:45, your brain and body are telling you that it’s about time for sleep. They will start slowing down and preparing to rest.

On the other hand, maybe you just don’t have much to do. Maybe you’re at a place in your life where you’re not really working, there’s not a whole lot to do around the house, and you’re just spending a lot of time lounging. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time off to yourself, but it’s a lot harder to get going again when you’re off a schedule and need to get back on it.

Make productivity into a habit. Get some things done, and it will be easier to grow your motivation.

4. Set some reasonable goals.

Goals are a fantastic way to build motivation. The SMART goal system is a simple, effective way to get more things done. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

For example, let’s say you want to lose some weight. “Losing weight” is a non-specific goal that is hard to set a successful condition to. A SMART goal will be a smaller goal that will bring you closer to the ultimate goal of losing more weight. It would be more like:

“I’m going to lose weight by not consuming more than 1800 calories per day for the next 30 days.”

That’s a specific, SMART goal that provides an actionable way to attain the overall goal. It’s much easier to find motivation and get the job done when you have a specific plan to reach success.

5. Work on small things.

Do you have grand plans? Not everyone does. That’s okay if you don’t. Some people don’t dream big or have major goals that they strive for. The reasons can be anything from mental health to just being satisfied with the smaller things in life.

The interesting thing about the small things in life is that all of the bigger things are just a composition of that small thing. For example, many smaller moving pieces go into earning a degree. You have to apply for the school, maybe relocate, attend and pass classes, study, do projects, and much more.

Small things can help provide you with motivation when you’re feeling blasé about your life. Accomplishing smaller goals (usually) activates the brain’s reward circuits, providing dopamine and endorphin boosts as a reward for doing well. Use that to get yourself moving toward the things that you want to accomplish.

6. Use time management techniques.

Time management techniques can be an excellent way to combat laziness that is the result of feeling overwhelmed. Of course, many people don’t do well when they have a massive project hanging over their head that is absolutely going to need several hours to complete, but man, where do you start?

The Pomodoro technique is a common time management technique that can help you make the most of your time. It’s simple. You work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This cycle is called a Pomodoro. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes.

Managing your time this way helps break the day up, keeping your mind fresh and motivated. You don’t want to spend all day staring at a computer screen, burning through the hours just to try to get this thing done. That just leaves you exhausted and spent at the end of the day.

So instead, you are creating space within your day to work and not work. You are creating habits and routines that will give your brain downtime when you need to rest.

It’s common to use a timer with this technique, so you don’t distract yourself with keeping time all day. Set the timer for 25 minutes, work until the timer, take a few minutes, restart the timer, and repeat.

7. Don’t allow yourself to make excuses.

Excuses will derail your progress if you let them. You can always find a reason to not do the work.

One common way for people to procrastinate is to “wait for the time to be right.” Well, guess what? There usually isn’t a right time. You can end up waiting for years for all of the stars to align before finally doing what you know you should be, and the opportunity could be long gone.

An excuse is flimsy reasoning to not do the work.

But what about a reason? Sometimes we can’t do the work because there are additional circumstances that are preventing us from acting. That’s fair and reasonable. On the other hand, sometimes you do have to wait. Sometimes it’s another person who isn’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Sometimes it’s that you don’t have enough information or resources to accomplish your goal.

These things are fair and valid. Instead, stop making excuses that keep you from moving forward with your duties and goals.

8. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of completion.

Perfectionists often undermine their own success by not settling for good. Instead, they spend far more time agonizing over specific details, trying to hammer out every tiny thing until it meets their criteria of perfect.

But perfectionism isn’t always that simple. Sometimes perfectionism is an anxiety response. By focusing on perfecting the project, the person can excuse themselves from actually completing it.

After all, a completed project is something that can be picked apart, put under a microscope, and judged. A lot of people just aren’t comfortable with that. So instead, they always have a little more work to do. This one little thing needs tweaking. “If I just keep working on it! Then it will be perfect!”

The truth of the matter is that nothing is ever perfect. And even if you do produce the most perfect thing in the world, other people may not appreciate it the way you do.

For example, consider writing. A writer sits down and wants to create the perfect story. They develop the perfect story arc, execute their grammar flawlessly, edit the story down, and tweak it to be in line with their perfect vision. Then they release the thing they wrote, and their audience hates it. How can that possibly happen? It’s simple. The writer and reader are two different people with two different sets of expectations.

A writer can create a technical masterpiece. It can be a slogging bore of a chore to bother reading for anyone who isn’t into technical masterpieces.

Life is no different. Your perfect may mean nothing to anyone else because they just aren’t that interested in your perfect.

9. Reward yourself for completing tasks.

Do reward yourself when you finally complete your goals. Allow yourself to sit back, revel in accomplishing your goal, and give yourself a little happiness as a reward.

That might be treating yourself to something a little extra special or doing something fun that you might not normally do.

A physical reward for a goal completed can help reinforce those reward circuits of the brain because you have a tangible thing to look at as a result of your work. This can be quite helpful when you are pursuing intangible or long-term goals.

For example, losing weight and fixing your diet is a long-term project that will require commitment and discipline. Rewarding yourself with some better clothes as you lose weight can be a good reward.

Do try to avoid rewards that are counterproductive, though.

“I’ve been sober for 30 days! I’ll drink to that!”

“I’ve lost 25 pounds! I’m going to sit down and eat a pizza!”

It sounds ridiculous, but people do it all the time. Unfortunately, it’s not helpful and can cause you to fall back into unhealthier habits.

10. Protect your personal space.

You need to be the one to ensure there is a clear delineation between your work and your personal life. Mobile phones have made this much harder because so much of the world assumes that you should always be reachable. That is anxiety-inducing and a gross intrusion on your personal space.

Do not install work-related apps on your personal devices. Do not use your work devices for personal reasons. Do not work off the clock or take work calls off the clock. Take your vacation, personal, and sick time if you are lucky enough to have it. Maintain separation from your work.

If you must have a phone and your workplace is not providing one, go buy a burner phone from any big box retailer or one of the many convenience stores that carry them.

11. Do not let managers use the word “lazy” to influence you.

Allow me to share a bit of a personal story with you. I’ve had quite a few jobs as someone that didn’t always have a very stable life. Bad management loves to motivate people by weaponizing laziness, except they don’t use the word lazy. They say things like:

“We really need you to pick up some of the slack in your department.”

“X employee was able to do it. So why can’t you?”

“We just don’t have the budget to hire someone else right now.”

“Don’t you want to be a team player?”

It’s all BS meant to pressure you into doing more for less. Their goal is to always keep costs down. So why bother hiring someone to replace the person who just quit when they can lay a guilt trip on you to get you to work harder? After all, many places offer their management bonuses if they can keep their payroll budget under a certain amount.

And do not fall for, “Well, we know you’re doing all of this extra work, but we can’t afford to give you a raise or a promotion right now. Let’s see how things are in six months.” I’ll tell you exactly how things will be in six months. “We just don’t have that in the budget.”

Bad management will sap your energy and motivation. They will leave you an emotional husk. So do not settle for bad management if you can avoid it.

A phrase I personally found helpful was, “I’ll try to pick up that slack, but I don’t know if I have enough time in my day to do it.” If you say no, they can write you up for insubordination or try to bully you into thinking you’re wrong. And then, you can put out the reason, “I just didn’t have the time to get it all done.”

They will likely complain or say you just need to work harder. Just shrug and look at them blankly. Don’t argue. You won’t win.

12. Reduce your stress.

Stress plays a negative role in our ability to function as people. Of course, a little stress isn’t necessarily bad. Sometimes it’s good to have the disruption. But regular, consistent, long-term stress can have a starkly negative impact on your mental and physical health.

By the time you actually get around to resting, you no longer have the time or the energy to keep up with the stress you’re experiencing.

Now, if you’re in a high-stress job, sometimes you can’t avoid that. So you need to have ways of managing and blowing off that stress so that you can still function when you get out of work.

However, sometimes that’s just not possible. So if you find that you just can’t function when you’re not at work because you’re constantly stressed out about work, it might be time to consider a career change or finding a different job.

13. Embrace planning and scheduling.

Sometimes a lack of productivity can come from poor planning. It’s hard to get everything you need done if you are constantly chasing around responsibilities and putting out fires. So try to incorporate more scheduling into your workday where you can.

It’s much easier to meet your goals when you have time set aside to address them. It means you don’t have to deal with the start and stop nature of general work.

Email is one major time and productivity thief. For example, let’s say that you’re working on a project. An email lands in your inbox, so you have to stop your work, shift your focus to the email, answer the email, and then get back into the project you were working on. That can easily turn into 5 or 10 minutes of inefficiency per email. Now, if you work in a job where you are getting 10 emails a day, that’s a whole lot of lost productivity and wasted time.

One way to manage that communication style is to pick a set time (or times) in the day to check your mail. Do it in the morning, at lunch, and/or before you go home. That way, you can spend the rest of your time focusing on your actual work.

14. Improve your sleep.

Sleep is the cornerstone of good health. Your body repairs itself and produces a lot of important chemicals when you’re in the deepest reaches of sleep.

However, suppose you are not sleeping consistently or regularly. In that case, your body may not have enough time to do everything it needs to do. Shallow or broken sleep can cause moodiness, depression, worsen anxiety, and deprive you of the feeling of being rested.

Common ways to improve sleep hygiene include not using screens before bed (even with blue blockers), avoid stimulating drinks before bed, and have a comfortable place to sleep. People tend to sleep better in a comfortable bed in a cooler climate.

Try to maintain a sleep schedule where you get the amount of sleep that leaves you rested. That’s usually about six to eight hours of sleep, but it can be different depending on the person.

15. Improve your diet.

Your diet is an important part of your motivation and energy. Food and drink are the fuel that keeps your machine running. Avoid foods that can cause you to spike and crash in energy; sugar, caffeine, high-fat, and processed foods.

Steer away from junk food and snacking on bad foods like potato chips, snack cakes, and candy. We consume so much sugar that it drastically affects the way other foods taste. For example, suppose you stay away from foods with refined sugars for a couple of weeks. In that case, naturally sweet foods like fruit will taste much sweeter.

Good food is necessary to keep your body running efficiently.

16. Get regular exercise.

Regular exercise provides a net positive effect on how much energy you have. You will find that as you exercise, your body gets used to it and wants more activity. That energy is what you can pour into accomplishing your goals and not being lazy.

Exercise is beneficial even if it’s a small amount, so long as you do it regularly. Even taking a walk and getting some sunshine for 15 minutes a day can provide a massive boost to your energy levels.

17. Drink more water.

Change out the sugary juices and sodas, coffees and teas, and energy drinks with good old-fashioned water.

Water is just good for you.

It has no calories and is used by your body to help keep everything in working order.

Drink more water.

18. Surround yourself with motivated, positive people.

There’s a saying that goes, “You are the five people you spend the most time with.” It’s pointing to the influence that our friends and family often have on us.

People have a difficult time moving against the flow that they find themselves in. For example, suppose you surround yourself with negative people who never want to do anything or improve their situation. In that case, it’s much easier for you to shrug off your own progress and just be lazy with your friends.

However, surrounding yourself with people who have goals can help you create a support network to keep everyone on track.

Being around negative people who are content with slacking off is not the way to get things done.

19. Lean into your personal strengths.

Frustration is a powerful demotivator. You may be trying to accomplish something that you’re just not good at. It might be that the overall goal you’re trying to achieve doesn’t really align with your personal strengths.

Is there a way to put your goals in alignment with your strengths? You can make the pursuit of your goals all that much easier by leaning hard into your strengths and outsourcing your weaknesses.

For example, let’s say you want to get fit. However, you don’t know much about nutrition or eating healthy. Now, you can teach yourself plenty of that information through the internet. However, it might be easier to just see a nutritionist and have them help you develop a meal plan to learn the basics of eating healthy. Talking to a professional can save you a lot of time, money, and energy, which you can then put toward your goal.

20. Do use motivators.

Though you shouldn’t rely on your personal motivation to get things done, you can use motivators to inspire you to keep moving forward.

People are motivated by many different things, which are split into two categories.

First, there are intrinsic motivations. These are the things within you that cause you to take action. That might include things like a desire to be better, passion, justice, or a desire for success.

Second, there are extrinsic motivations. These are external factors that provide motivation. Extrinsic motivations are things like money, travel, being attractive to others, or praise from other people.

What kind of motivators inspire you to action? How can you include those to give yourself that extra boost when you don’t feel like putting in the work?

You may be able to bolster your motivation and inspiration for yourself before you get into your work. Maybe you follow many artists or have a vision board that outlines what your ideal life looks like. These kinds of things can serve as an extrinsic motivation when you find yourself lacking intrinsic motivation.

21. Don’t rely solely on willpower to get things done.

Willpower is powerful tool that can help you push through the bad times. However, it’s not a good idea to solely rely on willpower to make the bigger goals happen. Willpower can wax and wane. You may be fired up and all ready to take on the world today; but tomorrow you may find yourself exhausted and unable to do the work.

That’s okay.

That’s your brain telling you that it’s time to take a break. You don’t have to have an iron will to get things done and accomplish your goals.

22. Redefine what it means to fail.

Are you afraid of failure? Many people are. They aren’t actually lazy; they are just afraid of being made to look foolish or of not succeeding.

But, here’s the secret. Successful people fail all the time. They succeed because they don’t necessarily look at failure as the end. It doesn’t have to be. It’s okay if something doesn’t work out. But, what are you going to do with that information? Are you going to throw in the towel and say, “Alright, I failed. I give up!”

Or, are you going to take that failure as a lesson in what doesn’t work and pivot to another approach? A failure doesn’t have to be an end if you don’t want it to be. Sometimes a failure is just an obstacle putting you in a better direction for success.

Failure isn’t a dirty word. But, of course, that isn’t going to stop negative people from treating it like one. Ignore those people. Why do you care what people who don’t support you think? They are irrelevant.

23. Stop thinking and start doing.

It’s good to plan the route you want to take toward success. The problem is that too much can be a bad thing.

Laziness may not be a lack of motivation or desire; sometimes, people just get too wrapped up in their own thoughts about the thing. They spend all their time thinking, planning, planning more, and thinking more. This is called “analysis paralysis.”

The secret to breaking through this is to stop thinking and start doing. Make your initial plan, and then start doing it.

The problem with too much planning is that it assumes you can foresee every hurdle you’re going to face. You won’t. You don’t know what you don’t know. All you can do is face those unknown obstacles when you finally run into them.

You have to be confident that you are smart and capable enough to find solutions to those problems when you do experience them.

And you are!

What’s more, you have the internet at your fingertips. There is undoubtedly someone somewhere who has run into the problems that you are having. The information is out there. And if it’s not, then you get the privilege of trying new things to see what works and what doesn’t!

24. Live in the present.

Do you live in the present? What does it even mean to live in the present?

It’s not complicated. To live in the present means, you are actively choosing what you are doing in the present moment, rather than being pulled along or acting out of habit.

For example, let’s say you spend a lot of time on social media. You scroll and scroll and scroll and scroll, and the next thing you know, it’s two hours later. Did you actively decide to scroll social media for two hours? Or was it something you just mindlessly did out of habit because that’s just what you’re used to doing?

That principle applies to many things. People waste hours mindlessly playing video games, binge-watching shows, scrolling social media, or just doing nothing because that’s just what they do. It may not even be bringing them pleasure, peace, or relaxation. It’s just what they do.

Don’t be pulled along by your habits. Make active choices. And that doesn’t mean that you have to completely give up these things. Just be mindful of how you spend your time. Maybe you want to play a video game for an hour and then get out and exercise. Or maybe you put a show on in the background while you clean up your living space.

Actively choose how you want to spend the precious limited time you have. You don’t get more time.

In conclusion…

Laziness is a complicated subject. It’s rarely as simple as the shameful thing that it’s meant to be. For most people, laziness is actually just being tired or needing lifestyle changes. An inability to get things done may point to a medical condition that features fatigue or tiredness for other people. Many mental illnesses can cause exhaustion to a point where the person struggles to function consistently.

If you are affected by chronic laziness and can’t seem to put a finger on why, consult with medical professionals. It may not be as simple as, “I just need to get back to work.”

Be kind to yourself and to others. People don’t generally want to do a bad job or miss out on opportunities. Laziness is not something that most people choose.

Still not sure how to stop being lazy? Speak to a life coach today who can walk you through the process. Simply fill out this short form to get quotes from several coaches along with details of how they can help.

About The Author

Jack Nollan is a mental health writer of 10 years who pairs lived experience with evidence-based information to provide perspectives from the side of the mental health consumer. Jack has lived with Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar-depression for almost 30 years. With hands-on experience as the facilitator of a mental health support group, Jack has a firm grasp of the wide range of struggles people face when their mind is not in the healthiest of places. Jack is an activist who is passionate about helping disadvantaged people find a better path.

All About Laziness: What Causes It and What to Do About It

American society, by and large, prizes hard work and diligence. Calling someone “lazy” is a big insult. And yet a lot of us are willing to slap this label on ourselves and, even more so, on other people.

According to Pew Research Center survey data , about half of Americans in 2015 — and 63 percent of Millennials — believe that the typical U.S. citizen is lazy. Another 2019 Pew survey found that a majority of Americans think people are lazier now than they used to be.

Some experts see these criticisms as signs of unhelpful cultural pressures and narratives, rather than pointing the finger at people’s behavior.

“Our culture’s belief that people are secretly ‘lazy’ deep down and need to be browbeaten into productivity is very old and has far-reaching roots,” says Devon Price, PhD , a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at Loyola University in Chicago. “It dates back to the Puritans and the beliefs they had about hard work being a signal that a person was morally upstanding.”

Along with our current emphasis on “productivity,” Dr. Price says that changes in workplace practices and always-connected mobile technologies have broadened our ideas of what laziness looks like. “We aren’t even free during our downtime; we are expected to be perfect professional paragons constantly,” he says. “This takes a massive psychological toll on us and leaves us at a massive risk of burnout.”

It is Price’s view — one he lays out in his recent book, Laziness Does Not Exist — that laziness as people understand it is a misconception. “When people appear to lack motivation, it is because they are exhausted, traumatized, in need of support, or do not see any logical incentive to taking part in a task,” he says.

Other experts are less dismissive of laziness. Some say it is related to procrastination — a phenomenon that psychology has clearly defined and studied. That research reveals how, when, and why people may engage in apparent acts of laziness, and what you can do about it if you think it’s a problem.

What Is Laziness?

First of all, “laziness” is not a formal clinical term in the field of psychology (or medicine). You can’t get a diagnosis of laziness. However, some psychologists have attempted to define laziness as it is used in popular culture.

According to a study published in 2018 in the journal Human Arenas , laziness can be regarded as a failure to act or perform as expected due to conscious, controllable factors — namely a lack of individual effort.

According to this definition, a student who can’t get their work done because of an attention disorder would not meet this definition of lazy, while a student who is capable of doing the work but chooses not to would fit this definition.

Because of all this, the concept of laziness doesn’t show up frequently in psychology research. But it tracks closely with a related and well-studied phenomenon: procrastination. “Both words are used for a disinclination to make effort, and we use both of these words in everyday speech to impugn others,” says Tim Pychyl, PhD , a procrastination researcher who was formerly an associate professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, before retiring from that position earlier this year.

But “procrastination” and “laziness” are not quite interchangeable — at least not to a psychologist, Dr. Pychyl says.

“Procrastination is the voluntary delay of an intended act despite expecting to be worse off,” he says. A person must intend to do something, and then decide not to do it for the act to qualify as procrastination.

If a person never wanted or intended to do something, they may be labeled “lazy” by a parent or boss, but they wouldn’t meet a psychologist’s definition of procrastination.

“We all delay things, but procrastination is a unique form of delay that is self-defeating and has no inherent upside,” Pychyl says.

Research has found that up to 20 percent of adults, and fully half of college students, feel that they struggle with procrastination.

While identifying times when someone procrastinates is often straightforward, nailing down examples of laziness is much trickier.

It’s important to make these distinctions because even the most tireless and diligent people sometimes procrastinate. “We all do it,” Pychyl says. The fact that you procrastinate doesn’t make you lazy.

None of us works nonstop all the time. We all take breaks to sleep or rest. We all engage in pastimes that are pleasurable or restorative, rather than productive. When exactly does the absence of work qualify as laziness? We all think we’ll know it when we see it.

Laziness, in other words, is always subjective. That’s according to the work of Michael Jacobsen, PhD , a professor of sociology at Aalborg University in Denmark.

What Causes Laziness?

First, it’s important to point out that pretty much all the research on what people call “laziness” focuses on procrastination.

Again, this is because laziness is a lay expression, not a formal term, and it’s also a matter of subjective opinion. One person’s idea of “lazy” may be another’s idea of a hard day’s work. If you meant to do something and didn’t, you may call that laziness, but a psychologist would label it procrastination.

And psychologists have studied procrastination and what causes it.

A Coping Mechanism

“People think procrastination is a time-management issue, but it’s really an emotion-management issue,” Pychyl says. “The thought of completing a task brings up anxiety or just general aversiveness, and a person can get rid of those negative emotions by putting off the task.”

Procrastination is a logical and effective “coping mechanism” for dealing with unpleasant feelings, he explains. Research published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences supports the notion that putting things off can reflect an attempt to cope with negative emotions that arise when people have to do something unpleasant or difficult.

As an example, Pychyl says, is schoolwork. For most kids, this work is an “unnatural ask” that requires young people to take part in a culturally constructed series of learning exercises that don’t fit with their impulses or interests. This is why so many young students put their work off until the last minute. “Procrastination is a quite rational reaction to an unpleasant situation,” he says.

But however rational it may be, some people procrastinate more than others.

Pychyl says this may be due in part to brain development. The brain’s prefrontal cortex, which helps in planning, decision-making, concentration, and other “executive functions,” does not fully mature until a person’s twenties, he explains. Since this is the brain region that helps control emotional impulses and guides behaviors that require a longer-term outlook, it’s no wonder young people tend to procrastinate more than adults.

“Kids are operating much more out of a pleasure principle,” he says. For an adolescent brain, it’s hard to prioritize school work — a form of toil that may not provide any immediate benefits or incentives — over playing video games.

The Habitual Behavior Factor

A problem that may arise is that procrastination, like any other behavior, can become habitual. If your brain learns to cope with unpleasant tasks by avoiding them, it can be hard to shake this response.

“Habits come from repeating actions consistently that give you some immediate enjoyment,” says Wendy Wood, PhD , a habit researcher and provost professor of psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Procrastination can check all those boxes: Putting off unpleasant chores can offer a sense of relief, which is enjoyable. And so like other bad habits, procrastination can snowball.

Environment

Other researchers have noted that laziness is a behavioral attribute that we may learn (and be more likely to practice) because of others. If your colleagues mess around and blow off work, you’re more likely to do the same.

Energy and Willpower (and Sleep)

Energy and willpower — or a lack of both — can also lead to procrastination. Researchers have shown that when shift workers are sleep deprived, their willpower drops and they become more likely to procrastinate.

Personality Characteristics

Pychyl says personality characteristics can also contribute to procrastination. These include low conscientiousness — “so people who are not planful, dutiful, and organized,” he explains — as well as impulsivity. Even some forms of perfectionism — a desire to meet some high self-defined standard — can load tasks with unpleasant emotional baggage that can lead to procrastination, he says.

Distraction

Last but not least, distraction — something many of us are struggling with these days — is a major driver of procrastination. “These technologies we have now are really problematic, it’s why we call them weapons of mass distraction,” he says.

Tech-based alerts, social media sites, and other enticements make it more difficult for many of us to get started on a difficult task and to stick with it, he says. And r esearch in Computers in Human Behavior has shown that social media use (and high smartphone use) are both predictive of some forms of academic procrastination.

And it’s worth noting that others, like Price, hold the view that this thing we call laziness does not actually exist because there are always valid explanations for a person’s apparent indolence.

Is Being Lazy Bad for My Health?

There’s not much research on how being lazy affects health and well-being, or not.

But when it comes to procrastination, there’s evidence that it can prevent people from taking up new and beneficial behaviors — such as a new exercise program or a healthier approach to eating, according to a review published in 2018 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology .

Also, among people who feel they have a procrastination problem, putting things off may cause significant psychological distress, which can lead to anxiety, poor mood, and decreased well-being, according to that same review.

Price adds that people who consider themselves lazy may be anything but. Still, this self-perception can lead to problems.

“Time and time again I have found in my work that the people who are the most convinced they are ‘lazy’ are the ones who are being asked to do far too much, and are demanding too much of themselves, with too little support,” he says. “If your to-do list is 20 items long but you only have the energy to get 10 things done per day, you are always going to feel lazy even though you are repeatedly pushing yourself past the brink.”

Think if someone only asked you to do five of those things in a day. You might feel quite productive, not lazy, even though you got the same amount of stuff done.

Again, he highlights new technologies as a potential compounding factor. “Technology has created increased pressure to generate productivity all of the time,” he explains.

Whether that pressure is coming from a person’s employer or from themself — or a mix of both — technology, by enabling us to check our email, instant messaging apps, or self-improvement apps anytime, anywhere, has led many of us to feel lazy if we’re not constantly doing something productive online.

6 Tips for How to Be Less Lazy

Different experts take a different approach to helping you manage self-diagnosed laziness. These may involve learning to go easier on yourself, or taking up habits that help you avoid distractions.

1. Do Less, Not More

Your goal shouldn’t be to fit more in, Price says. Instead, you need to identify what’s most important to you and set aside the rest. “Cut your to-do list in half,” he advises.

Put simply, you need to prioritize. “Ask yourself what you are willing to let drop? What are you cutting back on? Who will you disappoint? What social standards can you afford to let go of? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves, not ‘how can I force myself to do more,’” he adds.

2. Get Specific

Procrastination, Pychyl says, is often fueled by “vague intentions.” For example, you tell yourself you need to fix up your place or start a new exercise program. But you’re hazy on the details, including what exactly you plan to do and when you’ll get on it.

“You tell yourself, ‘I’ll do it this weekend,’ but that has almost no motivational force,” he says.

Instead, think about exactly what you want to do, and determine a precise time and place to do it. For example, book a yoga class and put reminders in your phone. Getting specific will make it more likely you’ll follow through.

3. Make It Fun

Dr. Wood says that the trick to habit formation is “repetition, repetition, repetition.”

“We are most likely to repeat actions that we enjoy,” she says. “So, find something you like about a new action that makes it enjoyable.”

For example, if you’re lazy about exercise, find a compelling podcast and listen to it only when you run or work out. Over time, you’ll start to view the time you spend exercising as “my favorite podcast time” — something fun — rather than something you dread.

4. Practice Single-Tasking and Taking Tech-Free Breaks

To get anything done — or for that matter, started — you need to be able to resist distraction and stay on-task.

Technology is making this more and more difficult, so consider taking your tech out of the equation. “You can’t depend on willpower,” Pychyl says. “You’ve got to take your phone and put it in another room.”

He also recommends installing apps or programs, such as RescueTime , that can prevent you from receiving alerts or accessing problem sites or apps. You can start small — 15 or 30 minutes of undistracted, tech-free time per day — and work your way up.

5. Be More Mindful

Pychyl says a lot of procrastination comes down to habit, whether it’s habitually delaying tasks or habitually reacting to them with anxiety or other unpleasant emotions. In both cases, mindfulness practices, which train present-moment, nonjudgmental awareness can be beneficial.

“Mindfulness and becoming aware of your own thinking is crucial,” he says. Mindfulness training can also help you ignore distractions and stay on-task, he adds.

6. Go Easy on Yourself

For one study , Pychyl and colleagues examined the ways college students responded following periods of procrastination. Among students who procrastinated before an exam, the ones who forgave themselves (as opposed to getting angry with themselves) were less likely to procrastinate again before the next exam.

“Forgiveness allows the individual to move past their maladaptive behavior and focus on the upcoming examination without the burden of past acts,” he and his coauthors wrote in their paper. He explains that getting down on yourself increases negative feelings and self-appraisals, which makes procrastination more likely. “You need to bring in self-compassion,” he says. “Focus on making progress, but acknowledge that you’re going to relapse.”

Common Questions & Answers

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Smith S. Patriotic, Honest and Selfish: How Americans Describe … Americans. Pew Research Center . December 11, 2015.
Rainie L, Perrin A. Key Findings About Americans’ Declining Trust in Government and Each Other. Pew Research Center . July 22, 2019.
Madsen T. The Conception of Laziness and the Characterisation of Others as Lazy. Human Arenas . May 2018.
Prem R, Scheel TE, Weigelt O, et al. Procrastination in Daily Working Life: A Diary Study on Within-Person Processes That Link Work Characteristics to Workplace Procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology . July 2018.
Interview with Devon Price. Loyola University Chicago. July 2022.
Interview with Tim Pychyl. McMaster University. July 2022.
Price D. Laziness Does Not Exist . 2021.
Wohl M, Pychyl T, Bennett S. I Forgive Myself, Now I Can Study: How Self-Forgiveness for Procrastinating Can Reduce Future Procrastination. Personality and Individual Differences . May 2010.
Jacobsen M. Laziness. Emotions, Everyday Life and Sociology . 2018.
Alexander E, Onwuegbuzie A. Academic Procrastination and the Role of Hope as a Coping Strategy. Personality and Individual Differences . 2007.
Interview with Wendy Wood. University of Southern California. August 2018.
Rozgonjuk D, Kattago M, Täht K. Social Media Use in Lectures Mediates the Relationship Between Procrastination and Problematic Smartphone Use. Computers in Human Behavior . 2018.
Rozental A, Bennett S, Forsström D, Ebert DD, Shafran R, Andersson G, Carlbring P. Targeting Procrastination Using Psychological Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology . 2018.
Devaine M, Daunizeau J. Learning About and From Others' Prudence, Impatience or Laziness: The Computational Bases of Attitude Alignment. PLoS Computational Biology . March 30, 2017.
Kühnel J, Sonnentag S, Bledow R, Melchers KG. The Relevance of Sleep and Circadian Misalignment for Procrastination Among Shift Workers. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology . 2017.

Seth Gillihan, PhD

Medical reviewer.

Markham Heid

10 Tips on How to Overcome Laziness in Studying

One of the things a student experiences, whether s/he’s already having a master’s degree or still a fifth-grader, is the struggle in overcoming laziness in studying. It is the time when you have tons of school works to do yet you don’t feel like doing it. Laziness keeps us from doing important tasks and it could hinder our studies. If it continues, it will become a habit that could have a negative implication for your grades or worst to your future endeavors. Sounds horrible right? But then, just like any other thing, you can get rid of it. Here are some tips that could help you overcome laziness in studying:

1. Be in a comfortable place.

One thing that could help fight laziness is finding a good location. Being in a comfortable place whether it’s in your favorite coffee shop, or just in your own bedroom that is free from distractions could help you to relax your mind and focus on studying.

2. Make a study plan.

Having a study plan will help you organize and track down your tasks easier. Make a timetable wherein you set a time schedule for a certain subject and other tasks to do. List down your assignments that are due and arrange them like a calendar. In this way, it could help you prioritize and get it done on time.

3. Take one step at a time.

Taking actions one step at a time will help you beat laziness. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller tasks will help you avoid being stressed. This will make your tasks a lot more manageable. Completing a sub-task will serve as a motivation for you to continue other sub-tasks thus, helping you finish your overall task in a more convenient way.

4. Make a to-do list.

There are times that because of so many things to do, just like preparing for major exams, you lost track of other things that need to be done. You could make a to-do list with just a piece of sticky note since it’s handy and you could place it anywhere. Placing a to-do list where you could see it every time, will help you remind what to do next. Also, making a to-do list will help you focus on doing your tasks especially that distractions are just around the corner.

5. Remove all distractions.

Being distracted while studying will make you lazier. It is better to get rid of all distractions such as turning off your TV or internet connection or just by simply switching your phone to silent mode or you could even ask your roommate or family member to give you privacy. Keep in mind that avoiding these disturbances will aid you to concentrate and study effectively.

6. Find motivation.

One of the top reasons why many students are lazy to study is due to a lack of motivation. Finding motivation will help you to concentrate and think about the benefits after studying, just like passing an exam and getting high grades or recognition from your teacher or you will be noticed by the cutie you have a crush on when you got the perfect score. Visualize yourself after studying and think of its positive outcome. In this way, you could study effectively since you already have the will to achieve something.

7. Think about its consequences.

Thinking about the positive outcome of studying could be a motivation for a person to start studying. If you have this kind of motivation in your mind, yet you still do not have that willpower to start it and laziness still dominates you, how about trying the other way around? Instead of thinking about the benefits of studying, think about the consequences if you don’t study. You could possibly have a failing grade and will be forced to take up the same subject again. It sounds terrible. So have this as a motivation to get up, flip the pages of your notebooks, start reading and learning.

8. Do easier tasks.

One thing that could be a problem in studying, is actually how to start it. You tend to be overwhelmed with bigger tasks and how to start them and finish them on time. Take it easy. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself as it could add up to your laziness. That feeling when you want to give up even though you are not yet beginning. Overcome it by starting with easier tasks. For example, start to study topics on a certain subject that is easier for you. Once you successfully completed studying that topic, you will have the confidence to move on to more difficult ones.

9. Discipline yourself.

This is the most important thing. The key to beat your laziness is to discipline yourself. In order to achieve something successfully, you just need to stop certain habits or behaviors. As with studying, you just need to stop certain things that could distract you and lose your focus and start doing things that could contribute to accomplishing good results. If you easily get distracted by gadgets, put them away while you are studying. Make this a habit so that the next time you have to study, you will get used to it. Keep in mind that these little sacrifices will have great results in the future.

10. Reward yourself.

Overcoming laziness is really a struggle, so every time you manage to do it, have yourself a reward. Like if you study for 20 minutes or finish an assignment without any interruptions, give yourself a treat, whether it is your favorite bar of chocolate or favorite ice cream. This will help you build a mindset that making efforts results in positive outcomes.

Being lazy with studying is a normal thing. Everyone experiences it, especially if there is a lot to study and you don’t know where and how to start. However, whether it is for a major exam or a small quiz, you have to take it seriously. Commit yourself to break the habit of laziness. Work harder! Keep in mind that the harder you try, the greater the result is.

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Gift ideas for self-motivation:

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 44 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
You’re physically or mentally tired?
You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

Read the history textbook
Do online research
Organize the information
Create an outline
Write the introduction
Write the body paragraphs
Write the conclusion
Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
Feb 2 nd : Do online research
Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
Feb 5 th : Create an outline
Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

What resources you’ll need
Who you can turn to for help
How long the task will take
Where you’ll work on the task
The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

Learn useful information
Master the topic
Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
Become a more focused student
Learn to embrace challenges
Fulfill your responsibility as a student
Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
Turn off all notifications on your phone
Mute your group chats
Archive your inactive chats
Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
Turn off the Internet access on your computer
Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
Unplug the TV
Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
Keep a to-do list
Use a student planner
Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
At the end of each day, plan for the following day
Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

Replying to your project group member’s email
Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
Asking your parents to sign a consent form
Filing a graded assignment
Making a quick phone call
Writing a checklist
Sending a text to schedule a meeting
Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

Create a bedtime routine
Go to sleep at around the same time every night
Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
Make your bedroom as dark as possible
Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

How to Stop Feeling Lazy and Become More Motivated

Experts reveal the real causes of laziness and how to put some pep into your step.

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You’d love to learn another language, organize your kitchen or try a new exercise class . So why can’t you get off your lazy butt and motivate yourself to do it?

Put aside for a sec that that's being a little harsh on yourself, and let's define what “laziness” actually is. What we think of as “laziness” is simply the unwillingness to make an effort, explains Tim Pychyl, Ph.D ., Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. The definition applies in pretty much any context, says Pychyl, who researches procrastination and its effect on well-being. In the case of laziness, the specific reason matters: “It’s the reluctance to make an effort because it seems too arduous.”

There’s often a judgment attached to the word “lazy” because it overlaps with procrastination , Pychyl adds. Being lazy about something and procrastinating both results in us avoiding doing something, but with laziness, it’s because that something seems too hard; with procrastination, it’s because that one thing is something we don’t like.

With procrastination, there’s a negative reason you’re not doing something. But with laziness, there can be a lot of reasons something seems too tough to tackle in a given moment. In other words, while you may be wondering how to quit being lazy, it’s important to point out that you’re not necessarily lazy just because you don’t do something , adds Elizabeth Grace Saunders, a time management coach and author of The 3 Secrets to Effective Time Investment .

You might, for instance, be "lazily" not reorganizing your garage because your schedule is already packed with work, meal prepping on the weekends , laundry, housecleaning and other tasks . But that’s not necessarily something to call yourself out for, Saunders says. “You’re just working within your limits.”

Motivation — which is basically the antidote for laziness — depends a lot on what other tasks you have on your plate. No one can be motivated to do it all, explains social psychologist Devon Price, Ph.D ., Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago and author of the book Laziness Does Not Exist .

In other words, you may not be lazy so much as simply needing to chill. If we put in more energy than our bodies can sustain on some days, we’ll pay the price later on when it comes to energy and motivation. The body needs breaks and downtime, Price explains. “Our bodies and minds are not built to focus on intense, draining tasks all day, every day,” they say. "'Wasting time' is a basic human need."

What is the main cause of laziness?

Then again, some people may be more inclined than others to be lazy. Research suggests that laziness is in part determined by personality, Pychyl says. It’s linked to one of the five major personality traits , conscientiousness (in other words, how dutiful and organized you are). Everyone falls somewhere along the continuum from very conscientious to not very conscientious at all. And because people who are high in conscientiousness tend to be more goal-oriented and self-disciplined, they are usually not lazy; whereas people low in conscientiousness are more likely to be lazy.

Just because you’re born with lazy tendencies doesn’t mean you’re destined to be lazy.

A big misconception is that laziness is a feeling; as in some days you feel lazy and some days you don’t, Pychyl adds. You don’t do your job, wash the dishes, or brush your teeth day after day necessarily because you “feel” like it. “It’s all about your intentions and your commitments,” Pychyl says — hence why the “goal-oriented” and “self-discipline” part of conscientiousness contribute to being lazy or not.

But how conscientious you are, as well as other personality traits, are nearly equally determined by genetics and by the environment and circumstances you find yourself in. Things like time management skills, not knowing how or not having the skills to do a specific task or emotional scars from the past can all play a role in how “lazy” or motivated you are to do a task for non-genetic reasons, Saunders says. So, just because you’re born with lazy tendencies, doesn’t mean you’re destined to be lazy in every situation.

So, while some people are more inclined to be lazy than others given the personality traits they’re born with, no one is sentenced to be lazy forever if they don’t want to be. Personality is not destiny; you can change those tendencies, Pychyl says.

What causes a lack of motivation?

Motivation – a reason that makes the effort of doing something feel worthwhile (think, an antidote to laziness) – can come from a lot of places, including from physical needs like hunger, thirst and the need for sleep, or from secondary needs for affiliation, competition and individual interests and goals.

There are also internal and external motives for doing something. External motivation is usually linked to things like money, salary or other rewards that come from outside of yourself for performing a task. Being internally motivated to do something, by contrast, means it’s personally rewarding to you; once you start doing it, you feel good, you lose track of time, and it’s totally your choice to continue doing that thing.

Fatigue can play a huge role in our perception of laziness.

Being into what you're doing and being in control of what's on your plate plays a big part in feeling internally motivated, Pychyl explains. “To the extent that we’re engaged in actions that we’ve chosen, we will feel more motivated.”

In other words, if you’re finding yourself unmotivated to stick to that exercise routine or learn that language , it may not be that you’re being lazy. It may be that those tasks or goals just don’t line up with the internal choices you really value, he says. Sure you’d love to be able to speak French, but in a given day spending your precious free time cooking dinner or socializing may be more meaningful

What are the three types of fatigue?

Fatigue can play a huge role whether we think we're being lazy, Pychyl says. (Think of it as one of those environmental/circumstantial factors that contributes to being lazy.) That's because being fatigued makes everything feel harder, he says.

Sleep medicine defines fatigue as either being:

Acute , from staying up for a long period of time
Cumulative , such as chronic sleep deprivation
Circadian , when you’re sleeping and waking on a schedule misaligned with your circadian rhythm , such as with jet lag

Any of these types of fatigue tends to magnify how effortful tasks feel, Pychyl says. When you’re faced with a task that feels arduous, you’ll be best positioned to tackle it if you’re taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, moving enough, and eating well, Saunders explains. In that way, taking care of yourself can help you quit being lazy.

There’s also mental fatigue or exhaustion that can be the result of grief, being in a stressful situation, or having to cope with a major stressor for a long time, like living through a global pandemic , Price says. It’s sort of ingrained in us that we should push past those feelings, grab another cup of coffee, and keep going, they say. Instead, consider it a warning sign your body needs rest. “When you're hungry, you should eat, and when you feel fatigue, you need rest,” Price says.

What can I do to get my energy and motivation back?

Here’s where to start:

Identify what’s holding you back. Figure out what’s making you "too lazy" to do what you have to do and address it, Saunders says. Waiting days and days to hang new curtains might not be a matter of you being lazy about the task. You might first need to acquire some skills in terms of how to do it by watching some YouTube videos, reading an article, or asking a friend. Once you do those things, hanging the curtains will feel easier.
Be crystal clear about what you want to be less lazy about. It’s probably not the case that you’re lazy about everything in your life. You might be great at motivating yourself to answer work emails, do the laundry and stick to your workouts, but you might avoid or put off the dishes or some other task. Then you can think of ways to change the habits that you need to, she says. “Get really clear on what you want to commit to do. It could be as simple as loading the dishes in the dishwasher as soon as you use them,” she says, rather than letting them sit so it becomes a bigger deal in your mind.
Focus on the first step. Identify just the first step to accomplishing a task. If the task is vacuuming, maybe the first step is going to get the vacuum, Pychyl explains. If the task is going for a run, maybe the first step is changing into your running shoes and workout clothes . Don’t think past the first step. By just focusing on this next step, you’re setting the mind and body up to act.And research from Pychyl’s group shows that once you get started with this low-threshold action, your attitude about the task and doing it actually changes. It becomes easier to continue doing the task. In other words, getting started is often the hardest part.
Put ‘future self’ before ‘present self’. It’s Sunday afternoon. You’re sitting on your couch watching Netflix and dreading meal prepping for your weeknight dinners . Try this: Think about your future self, working late and starving for dinner on Monday night. Is she going to want to cook dinner after working a long day? Empathizing with your future self helps when it comes to procrastinating less. By extension, it can help with motivating yourself to put in the effort now and be less lazy, Pychyl says.
Involve others. You may not always feel intrinsically motivated to do something, like exercise. But you can give yourself external reasons, Pychyl says. Make a commitment to work out with a friend (either virtually or safely outdoors ). In addition to any personal reasons you might or might not feel motivated to exercise, now you also have the motivating factor of showing up for your friend and not letting her down.

Let It Go! Quitting These Habits and Obstacles Has Never Been Healthier

Sarah DiGiulio is a New York City-based writer and editor who covers psychology, mental health, fitness, sleep, and other health and wellness topics. She's written for NBC News, Prevention, HuffPost, Real Simple, Health Magazine, and many more.

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Why Am I Lazy? 15 Ways for college students to Stop Being Lazy and Unmotivated

Friday Jul. 24th, 2020

Students become lazy when they get a task they are uninspired by. When this happens, they need a motivation boost to get them moving. You’ll often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your academic situation, or too fatigued to be productive because of all the work you’ve been doing. Unfortunately, being lazy makes you procrastinate and if you do this, you cannot complete your academic tasks. To prevent all this from happening, here are 15 excellent tips. Find What Causes Your Laziness The first step in solving any problem in life is to discover what caused it. Only if you know what made you lazy in the first place can you truly address the issue. Are you uninspired? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is it tiredness that prevents you from completing your tasks? Is it fear of failure that prevents you from acting? Discover the root of your laziness and then act on it!

Exercise There are many physical, but also mental benefits from exercising often. Create a workout routine for yourself to boost your metabolism, have a good figure, and improve your motivation and focus. Make a Checklist Checking things off a list can be incredibly satisfying. Take a couple of minutes to make a checklist of the things you need or want to accomplish. When you’re done with one, cross it off the list. This will give you a tingly feeling that will keep you going.

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How Can I Stop Feeling Lazy to Study? (Explained!)

As a student, you know that studying is an essential part of your academic journey. But sometimes, motivating yourself to study can be challenging.

When you feel lazy, procrastination becomes tempting, and it can feel like an arduous battle to motivate yourself to get started.

However, there are tools and strategies you can learn to help you overcome this habit and make the most out of your study sessions.

The strategies to overcome laziness when it’s time to study include the following:

Make a study plan
Get rid of all distractions
Maintain a timetable for studying every day
Set smaller, achievable targets
Take one step at a time and more

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why some students feel lazy to study and how you can overcome this feeling. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to make your study sessions more effective.

Let’s delve in!

Why do some students feel lazy to study?

Laziness is a common struggle for many people. And it is even more common to observe this syndrome in students who find it challenging to dedicate time to study.

While it is understandable to feel unmotivated or unproductive sometimes, consistent laziness can seriously affect daily life.

If a student feels lazy, this can cause them to procrastinate on completing simple assignments, study sessions, and class curriculums, leading to stress, a sense of being overwhelmed, and poor grades.

Additionally, once someone falls into the habit of laziness, it can be challenging to break free from it and regain a sense of motivation.

While there could be a number of causes for the lazy feeling, some of the more common ones are as follows:

Incomplete sleep

Studying involves mental activity. It requires a fresh and alert mind; hence without a proper good night’s sleep, students might feel tired, dizzy, and unproductive while learning.

Lack of future goals or plans

Many students do not have a clear vision of their goals. As a result, they might not put in enough effort to study effectively.

Also, some students may be involved in too many activities or have too much fun, contributing to their laziness toward learning.

Pursuing a course that is not in line with their interests or passions

If students are not enthusiastic about the subject they are studying, they may find it boring or uncomfortable, leading to procrastination and laziness toward studying.

Sometimes students may choose a course because of their parents’ request, which may not align with their career goals or interests.

Hungry, tired, and ill

Some students appear “lazy” simply because they are hungry, tired, or sick.

This affects their physical health. Hence, they may arrive at school fatigued, irritable, disinterested, and withdrawn.

Lack of motivation

When you lack the motivation to study, it’s easy to feel lazy and not want to do anything.

Studying can sometimes be monotonous, and it’s easy to lose interest and feel lazy if you find the subject matter dull.

Procrastination

Putting off important tasks and studying until the last minute can become overwhelming, leading to the feeling of being lazy to tackle the workload.

Distractions

In this digital age, getting sidetracked and feeling lazy to study is easy, making it crucial to recognize when laziness becomes a persistent problem.

Taking steps to address and overcome this issue can help prevent it from negatively impacting your work, studies, and daily life.

If you discover you lack the motivation to study, Iris Reading offers a productivity course to help you curb laziness and boost your productivity.

Check out our Personal Productivity course . This course teaches several strategies to help you eliminate distractions and overcome laziness.

How to overcome laziness when it’s time to study?

Laziness is one of the major reasons why you have poor performance in your study. The following are some tips to help you overcome laziness and motivate yourself to study.

1. Make a study plan

A study plan is an effective tool for time management to help you stay organized and prioritize your academic tasks.

When you create a study plan, balancing school-work, jobs, and other social commitments becomes more manageable. You can easily track your progress and achieve your learning objectives with a schedule for studying.

Another benefit of making a study plan is that the regular study routine helps you get emotionally and psychologically ready for each study session, overcome laziness and make studying a habit.

2. Get rid of all distractions

If you want to overcome laziness and boost your productivity, you must eliminate distractions during study sessions. This can be achieved by creating and sticking to a to-do list, moving to a different room, and turning off the phone and TV.

If you are expecting an important call, then you may keep your phone by your side but ensure that you set it on vibration or make it silent.

Additionally, do not hesitate to ask family members or roommates for privacy during your study time.

Eliminating these distractions will help you concentrate better during your study sessions.

You may also like: How To Improve Your Focus & Limit Distractions

3. Maintain a timetable for studying every day

Creating a study timetable can significantly reduce laziness as it provides a clear structure for tracking work progress and meeting deadlines.

The timetable should be prominently displayed in the study area, with fixed schedules for each class and other weekly tasks.

It is critical to adhere to this schedule to help you develop self discipline and overcome laziness in your studies.

Moreover, mastering this practice will give you a competitive edge in your academic and professional pursuits.

4. Set smaller, achievable targets

It is easier to overcome laziness while studying if you set small achievable study goals.

If you keep your targets too high, you may get overwhelmed, and pressure may set in, leading to a sense of defeat. Instead, break down your goals into smaller, manageable, achievable goals.

By setting more realistic goals, and as you achieve these smaller goals, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, encouraging you to continue working towards your larger objectives.

You may also like 10 Management Tips to Become More Productive (Explained for Beginners)

5. Take one step at a time

When you set a study goal, taking it one step at a time is essential to avoid laziness and feeling overwhelmed. If you put too much pressure on yourself, it can add up to your laziness.

Breaking your study sessions into smaller, manageable sessions will help you avoid burning out, increase productivity, and even make it enjoyable.

To do this, instead of having a one-hour study marathon, you could break it into a 30-minute study session followed by a 15-minute break and then the next 30-minute study session.

Each batch of the study session is a sub-task you must complete. Completing a sub-task will motivate you to continue other sub-tasks, making your overall task more convenient.

You may also like How Do You Measure Personal Productivity?

6. Reward yourself after completing a goal

Overcoming laziness is a big deal, so you should congratulate yourself upon achieving it and treat yourself with kindness. One approach is to reward yourself with a small treat at the end of your study period.

Also, set goals that motivate you to study and reward yourself for every achievement. Examples of rewards include:

Watching a movie.
Taking a long break.
Eating your favorite dessert.
Purchasing something you’ve always wanted.

Rewards keep you in a win-win situation.

7. Find your motivation

Lethargy and laziness can be completely eliminated with good self-motivation.

As we mentioned, an exciting way to motivate yourself is to reward yourself at the end of your study period.

Also, consider how exciting it would be to achieve fantastic marks in your examination. Think of those you could make proud when you achieve your goals. Don’t be a lazy person; remember, you only have one life.

Another technique that can help you find your motivation is setting goals.

The feeling or desire to achieve these goals will eliminate laziness from your vocabulary. But make sure to set goals that inspire you and not ones that paralyze you.

You may also like: How Can You Motivate Yourself To Study?

8. Consider the consequences of laziness

Considering the possible positive results of studying can motivate us to begin learning. But if this doesn’t work, consider the consequences of procrastination and laziness.

Fear can be a powerful motivator. You may receive poor grades or even fail if you don’t study. Retaking the same subject or repeating the year is not desirable and can be a motivational factor to push yourself to start studying.

9. Discipline yourself

Laziness is a common experience for everyone, especially when faced with a large amount of studying without a clear starting point. However, it is crucial to take studying seriously whether it is for a major exam or a small quiz.

Commit yourself to breaking the habit of laziness. Understand that your future is in your hands, and the more disciplined and responsible you are, the greater your chances of success.

How can you make your study sessions more effective?

Many college students soon realize that their high school study methods fall short. This is understandable, given how different college is from high school. Professors are less involved, classes are more extensive, exams are more significant, reading is more demanding, and courses are more challenging.

This does not imply that you are at fault; it simply indicates that you need to acquire more efficient study skills.

Fortunately, there are numerous active and effective study tactics you can learn and implement to help you be successful in your studies.

The following are some tips to help you make your study sessions more effective.

Read actively

Be an active reader by highlighting or underlining essential points, asking yourself questions about the material, and summarizing what you have read in your own words.

If you feel like you have too much to read and too little time, you can even join Iris Reading’s Free “Speed Reading 101” Workshop .

Attend lectures and take notes

Attend lectures, take notes, and try to write down important concepts and ideas discussed in class for future review.

Use flashcards

Flashcards can be a helpful tool to help reinforce the information in your memory. You can memorize concepts, definitions, and formulas.

Join study groups

Work together with your coursemate to review notes and discuss key concepts.

Practice active recall

Do more than just read and review your notes to understand the materials better and retain the information. Instead, try to recall the information from memory actively.

Make use of productivity tools

Use tools like the AccelaReader Speed reading tool . This tool can help make your study sessions more effective and improve your reading speed and memory retention.

Take breaks

Taking breaks during study sessions can help you stay focused and retain information better. Take breaks every few hours for 30-45 minutes to help you recharge and stay productive.

Takeaway: Crush laziness and boost your study motivation

Feeling lazy to study is a common problem among students. And this is because many students have their mind set on seeing learning as an arduous task, and many have yet to learn to study smart.

Luckily, there are ways to overcome these lazy habits and start studying effectively.

Making a study plan, removing distractions, maintaining a timetable, setting achievable targets, taking one step at a time, and rewarding yourself are some tactics to help you stay motivated.

Additionally, attending lectures, actively reading, joining study groups, managing your time, and practicing active recall can make your study sessions more effective.

Remember, with the right mindset and strategy, you can overcome laziness and excel in your academic journey.

Would you like to learn about little-known strategies to help you crush the feeling of being lazy, boost productivity and succeed academically?

Check out our Productivity Courses , which are ideal for students who desire to excel in college and beyond.

Deep down i knew these things but the solutions really helped me to make a change

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Strategies For Lazy Students

What’s the difference between being lazy and being plain-old “human?” Lazy means you know what needs to be done to accomplish the objective, but consciously choose not to do it.

Being “human” means you have the will to accomplish the objective, but something inexplicably has gone wrong.

Here’s the problem… To the casual observer, there is no apparent difference between being lazy and being human. So, how can you tell the difference?

Let’s explore a few student situations:

STUDENT: Tom was at his locker. He was in a rush. He was rushed to get to class. He was rushed to get to lunch. He was rushed to get out the door and on the bus. When Tom sits down to do his homework later that night, he doesn’t have his science textbook nor his math notebook.

Is Tom lazy when it comes to his organization skills, or is he overwhelmed because he is “human?”

STUDENT: Paper management for students is complex. The process usually involves rifling through their book bag. They dig through a sea of 12-16 different folders and notebooks (not to mention another half-dozen textbooks). Find the correct folder. Pull it out. Set it down. Open it up. Slide the paper in. Return the folder back into their bag. That is, if the right folder is even in their bag. It might be camouflaged with their other books in their locker.

As a result, many students don’t put papers away in the right spot. Is it because they are too lazy to follow the process? Or, does the process overwhelm their human capabilities?

STUDENT: Students spend most of their days being told what to learn. Told how to do it. Told why they should care about it. And, told when work is due. It doesn’t matter if they are interested in learning this information or if they understand the potential applications of this knowledge. Often, students perceive all of it to be a “waste of their time.”

Are student’s lazy when it comes to learning? Or, are they overwhelmed by all the process, mandates, and lack-of-control in the learning process?

Students are disorganized because they are rushed and have inefficient systems. They are resistant to studying because they don’t see the point. They get tired of being told what to do.

I’m not saying that we should release students of responsibility because of these roadblocks. I am saying we shouldn’t be so quick to judge them as lazy. They could probably use a heaping spoonful of empathy. Followed by a cup of “strategy.”

They need strategies to help them recognize the “rushed” state of mind at the locker and handle their locker time more effectively.

They need an organizational system to pare down the folders and notebooks into one manageable place.

Students could use some time-saving learning strategies to cut through the red-tape of learning “boring stuff” that they’ll “never have to use again in real life.” (Whether or not they will ever need the actual knowledge for the test, they can sure use the practice of learning faster…and strategically cutting through red-tape.)

Ultimately, most students are not lazy, they just need “student-friendly” strategies. (Which is really code for “human-friendly.”)

How Do You Keep Things “Human-Friendly?”

First, seek out strategies that are truly time-saving and have minimal barriers. Many well-known study skills are not actually time-efficient. For example, “S-Q-Three-R” is a very popular strategy. But, I haven’t yet met the student –young or old- who was eager to survey, question, read, recite, and review. This a time-intensive task!

Avoid strategies that are filled with barriers! Another popular book on student organization recommends a color-coded sticky-note strategy to help students sort their papers.

It requires a student to carry around a full supply of several different colored sticky-notes. This takes extra time to… dig through the book bag or pencil pouch… think through the color-matching process… maintain the proper amount of various colors of sticky-notes… figure out a back-up process when they run out… figure out what do when his personal stock has been depleted. I’m exhausted from thinking through that process, let alone having to execute it! Too many barriers!

Second, seek out strategies that are effective. If a student is going to take the time to learn a new system, he needs to benefit right away. Otherwise, he sees no purpose. Then, the strategy violates the time-efficiency clause.

Finally, strategies should apply across most subject-levels. This way, students are not confused over when to use a strategy. The SOAR ® approach to learning and organizing was based completely on these criteria for student (and human)-friendliness!

Do you want to figure out if your student is lazy or overwhelmed? Teach them the skills to be organized and effective learners. You’ll be amazed by the difference this can make.

SOAR ® is used by thousands of students across the globe. The overall result is increase in GPA by +1.0, a 30% reduction in missing assignments, and a 20% increase in student confidence and motivation.

Your student(s) can see this difference too. Click here to learn more about the strategies from SOAR ® .

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Why Math Is College Critical: Crunching Numbers After High School

Every year, millions of high school seniors breathe sighs of relief upon finishing their final exams before university, thinking they’ll never again have to find x, do derivatives, or convert degrees into radians on their TI-84s.

And, every year, millions of incoming freshmen schedule their first university math classes shortly after Googling, with exasperation and dread, “Do you have to take math in college?”

In this article, let’s explore not just why math is important to a well-rounded college education, but also the different types of math – and, therefore, its related challenges – that students encounter upon beginning their college careers.

A Rude Awakening: An Introduction to Math Classes in College

College-level math presents for many students a sharp learning curve. Application-based word problems, solvable upon simply identifying the correct formulas to use, give way to lectures about the theoretical and abstract. Those who were comfortable with high-school “mental math” must face unfamiliar leaps in logical and conceptual complexity. Even finding help with homework online may require more original searches and Internet sleuthing than ever before.

While some high schools try to give their students a strong “foundation” for university-level depth, most freshmen are still in for a rude awakening. Before giving any advice, let’s at least learn what to expect.

Reviewing Different Types of College Level Math

College students come from a wide array of educational backgrounds, so it’s important to establish a baseline understanding of what college level math problems might actually look like. In this section, we’ll elaborate upon the levels of math through which students progress all the way from high school to graduate study.

Keep in mind that not all of these levels form distinct, hermetically isolated fields. Part of what makes mathematics so fascinating, albeit sometimes frustrating, is that its different concepts are constantly communicating with each other, allowing mathematicians always to build upon and apply their prior knowledge to new situations.

Stairway to… Heaven? Climbing the Levels of Math

When you think about it, the interplay of mathematical fields makes perfect sense. In elementary school, students progress from learning basic arithmetic to pre-algebra to their first forays into variables and equations. There’s no reason why high school should not continue that progression, nor why the transition to college math should somehow disrupt it.

We say this not to pretend that college math is not a difficult adjustment – as we’ve established, it is – but to emphasize that its challenges are not insurmountable. By mastering these fundamentals, there’s no reason to panic nor think, with rigorous studying, that you cannot succeed.

Mastering Geometry: The One That “Shapes” Students’ Conceptual Skills

We’re starting with geometry because it often marks students’ first opportunity to understand mathematics not just in terms of numerical operations, but as a world of consistent proofs and principles.

One of the oldest mathematical fields, geometry forces students to conceptualize angles, dimensions, and other properties of objects. By dealing with real-world problems, geometry enables students to expand their understanding of math’s practical applications. However, by teaching exercises in logical thinking, it also empowers them to confront future math courses dealing heavily with theories and abstractions. Therefore, geometry constitutes an early bridge through which students begin to approach higher-level math.

Mastering Trigonometry: A True “Sine” of Maturity

While its five syllables sound intimidating, the rest shouldn’t be. As a subset of geometry, and often not even occupying its own course, trigonometry simply refers to the study of the properties of triangles. To succeed in trigonometry, students must learn relationships between angles, sides, and their corresponding ratios known as “sine,” “cosine,” and “tangent.”

Trigonometric applications are historic and highly variable, ranging from astronomy to navigation to finding the heights of buildings. While not the most complex subject here, mastering “trig” is still necessary for students who, when taking college math, would rather have bigger things to worry about.

Mastering Precalculus: An “Integral” Part of College Prep

For those who don’t take AP Calculus, “precalc” is often the last math class students take in high school. And for good reason; with its focus on introducing new principles, getting adequate precalculus help before graduating allows you to prepare for the transition to college-level math.

Combining geometry, trigonometry, and algebra, precalculus gives students a chance to practice concepts that are explored in full-on calculus. These include graphing inequalities, convergent and divergent series, and the first whispers of calculus terms like derivatives and integrals. While far-reaching in scope, precalculus is entrenched in skills that many students have spent years building.

Mastering College Level Algebra: Navigating the “X”-tra Work

Having taken Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 beforehand, most freshmen have some experience with formulas, equations, and using symbols to represent numbers. But how does college make such things more complex? At what level is college algebra, exactly?

College algebra still teaches functions, quadratics, and exponents, but in more depth, with more abstract reasoning, and at a faster pace. You’ll be expected to study, keep up, and understand new material after less practice than you’re used to. Therefore, while seemingly less necessary than other subjects, seeking college algebra homework help is never an unhelpful way to set up for success.

Mastering Statistics: “Polling” Your Own Weight

College marks the first time many students encounter statistics, or the study of drawing conclusions about large “populations” by analyzing data from representative “sample” groups.

In some ways, stats is less dependent upon “math” calculations than the concepts it requires students, likely for the first time, to learn, like correlation, tests of significance, and regression analysis. As a means of estimating population data, its inherent imperfections can frustrate those who take satisfaction in getting exact answers. That said, statistics is among the most practical, applicable forms of mathematics, and studying it in college is hardly regrettable in the long run.

Mastering Calculus: “Changing” With the Times

It’s often seen rightly as “the big one.”. Invented by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz, calculus is the study of change. Want to know how fast a pool drains when it’s raining? Or how to chart a planet’s orbit while accounting for the Sun’s gravitational pull? Or, even, how quickly medicine starts to act on the human body?

Calculus is complex, but it has vital importance in physics, engineering, economics, and other major fields. Students might need calculus homework help to understand ever-intensifying limits, derivatives, and integrals, but doing so will yield ever greater academic enrichment in the long run.

Academic Prerequisites: Math Courses Required in College

Let’s return to the question with which we started: Is math a requirement in college? At American universities, the answer is likely “yes.”

Even for humanities majors, math credits are necessary to fulfill general education curricula. At Arizona State University, for example, every student must pass general college mathematics, college algebra, precalculus, or any other more advanced course. Similarly, Rutgers University requires that all students, alongside subjects like English Composition, attain three credits in logical and quantitative reasoning.

Though these classes may sound like a headache, they don’t have to weigh down your GPA with the right attention and focus.

Getting Ahead of College Math: Some Useful Summer Programs

For those who want to prepare adequately, summer math programs for college students are an effective way to stay in front of any impending math prerequisites. For those who are committed to studying higher-level mathematics, such programs create opportunities to meet like-minded students and produce original, often collaborative contributions to mathematical research.

In either case, pursuing additional studies outside of the conventional school year shows dedication, persistence, and commendable work ethic. These three programs vary in attendance and exclusivity, but in doing so they demonstrate that students, should they only look for them, can find resources that suit their individual needs.

An Early Start: The Stanford University Mathematics Camp

Often the world of college preparation, perhaps spurred by watchful parents, begins well before students start to write the Common App. That’s why programs like Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) cater to rising juniors and seniors who seek advanced mathematical enrichment, not to mention the chance to study at one of the world’s premier research institutes.

SUMaC runs every June and July, combining online with “residential” curricula. Given that students attend before college application season, the program constitutes a strong résumé booster while uniting future university trailblazers in their dedication to number theory, algebraic topology, and other relevant academic subjects.

“Think Deeply About Simple Things”: The Ross Mathematics Program

Located in both Columbus, Ohio and Terre Haute, Indiana, the Ross Program invites motivated pre-college students to spend six weeks attending intensive lectures and discussions on number theory. Since 1957, the program has trained future leaders in math, business, and scientific fields.

Apart from its academic advantages, Ross also gives recent high school graduates an early chance to experience college life. Students are organized in small “family groups,” live in dorms, and must be responsible for their own schedules. For soon-to-be freshmen worried about leaving home, the program thus offers a headstart on not just academic but social and emotional development.

The Pre-Ph.D. Track: The Bernoulli Center for Fundamental Studies

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Bernoulli Center invites a select group of prospective researchers from around the world to attend its Young Researchers in Mathematics summer program.

The central goal of YRM, which covers all expenses for participants, is to produce and publish a collaborative research project over the course of one week. Though selective, the program gives aspiring mathematicians the chance to engage in professional academic study, make international colleagues, and gain some experience abroad at a prestigious Swiss institution. Though applications are closed for this year, the Bernoulli Center keeps general program information updated and publicly available here.

Why Does This Matter, Anyway? The Overall Importance of Math

In times of budget cuts, the arts and humanities are often the first to face constriction. Therefore, it seems we’re more likely to hear impassioned defenses of why studying literature, history, or theater matters for social and cultural enrichment.

These defenses are quite correct, but their prominence implies that it’s obvious why the “other stuff,” like math, also matters.

For our purposes, math learning is important because it teaches critical thinking, creativity, and a similar set of personal attributes transferable to almost any analytical discipline. In this section, let’s explore the specific benefits of studying math and, for good measure, some practical learning tips.

The Soft Skills: Why Math Matters

More than almost any other subject, studying math equips students with essential “character” assets – qualitative over quantitative skills – that facilitate success in diverse fields. If that seems counterintuitive, just remember that college courses appreciate mathematics not just in terms of concrete operations, but also for its abstract and theoretical depth.

These “soft” skills include communication, independent problem-solving, logical reasoning, collaboration, and even reading comprehension. In the long run, employers value these qualities because they make employees dependable, adaptable, and easy to work with. For students, they prove that studying math is not just “job training,” but a means of achieving a well-rounded, enriching education.

The Hard Skills: The Practical Applications of Learning Math

Of course, learning math also teaches students specialized skills that unlock unique opportunities in STEM careers. These include training in statistical analysis; advanced calculus; linear algebra; and courses which directly prepare students for specific fields, like “applied engineering mathematics.”

While many math majors pursue jobs in accounting or actuarial sciences after graduation, the hard skills they learn along the way thus allow for welcome flexibility. Therefore, studying math is also important because it empowers “mathematicians” to become statisticians, computer programmers, financial analysts, data scientists, and much else. For all of its challenges, math is important in opening worlds of possibility.

Lastly, Some Practical Advice: How Best to Study Math

Finally, here are some tips for learning math at university:

Don’t cram. Take initiative and study a little bit every day. Math is conceptual; concepts take time to absorb. Building knowledge incrementally will strengthen your foundation for the next exam and future ones.
Read the textbook. Sometimes the wording is confusing, but they’re better than relying only upon disorganized lecture notes. Plus textbooks contain useful exercises that, with repetition, can hammer home new material.
Do every practice set. Don’t do four problems and assume you “get it.” Practice for each scenario, and encounter the most difficult ones before your exam.

College Math and the Path to Success

We’ve discussed various aspects of studying math in college: whether it’s necessary (it is), what it actually looks like, and how you can prepare before and during university for its newfound challenges.

In the end, “how much” math you learn in college depends upon what you choose to study. But whether you’re meeting a prerequisite or a full-on mathematics major, it’s incumbent upon you to remain attentive, develop useful study habits, and utilize all resources that can help you succeed. Grades are important, but also is math more broadly – in terms of professional training, skill-building, and simply providing enrichment in each student’s academic life.

We are a team of college graduate researchers and writers proficient in most academic subject areas including mathematics, science, physics, chemistry and English language.

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I'm just too tired to do homework/study after school every day

I'm a senior in high school. Because I have debate practice every day after school except Fridays, I don't get to leave school until around 5:45pm, but because of traffic I usually don't get home until 6:30pm. Naturally the first thing I do when I get home is take a long shower and eat dinner until about 7:30 and by that point, I'm just pooped. I have no motivation to study or do homework and all I want to do is go to bed. So far I've been sustaining that by doing most of my homework/studying in the mornings when I get to school (I wake up at 6am to get to school by 7:30am, but I don't have a class until 8:45am—at least for first semester) but I feel like that's just not sustainable partly because I'm still not exactly functioning so early in the morning, I'd much rather start my day in a more enjoyable manner than scrambling to catch up on homework, and I'll have a class at 8am second semester.

Does anyone have any tips on what I can do to not find the energy/motivation to actually do homework and study after school?

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The Only Question Lazy People Need to Ask Themselves Today

I’m not usually a procrastinator , but even I have days where I dread the simplest of tasks. There have been times when it feels impossible to churn out an article for an upcoming deadline, and it’s during those periods where I feel irreparably lazy —unmotivated, unproductive, and unfit for my job. Although this doesn’t happen all the time (certainly not every day), it’s enough to question whether or not my love for editorial is sufficient in combatting my occasional urge to do nothing.

Then I read this Better Humans piece by Tony Stubblebine about the topic. In it, Stubblebine discusses his own relationship with laziness and says that because he never felt any excitement or interest in doing homework growing up, he just assumed he was lazy. When in actuality, he just wasn’t passionate about his schoolwork.

And that got me thinking: How many times has one slow day made me feel as though laziness were hardwired into my character? Why should a single moment define me and drown out all the times that I did show up, work hard, and excel?

According to Stubblebine, it’s easy to throw up your hands and surrender to this supposed character flaw, but it’s more helpful to take a step back and look at what’s making certain tasks so hard to finish. In the section that resonated the most with me, he says:

It’s also useful to examine the parts of our lives that seem hard. Are those hard things hard because you’re not interested in them?

And this point here is key: You’re probably not lazy at all. Instead, look at those slow moments when you feel like doing something is unreasonably more difficult than it should be. Chances are, you’re just disinterested. You’re just not that into it.

“The point I wanted to make to you was to consider what stories you’re telling yourself about what you can’t do,” he explains. “Are any of those really just situations of disinterest that you’re spinning into personal failings?”

That’s when I looked back at my own instances of so-called unwillingness to get work done. Usually, it’s because I’m writing on a topic that my heart’s not completely in. Stubblebine agrees: “Perhaps you’re not lazy, or grossly unmotivatable—you’re just not tapping into those things that get you going. That’s not a value judgment on you, but rather a situation.”

On the other hand, whenever I’m able to realize that a topic isn’t the right one for me, pivoting in a new direction with the piece usually does the trick. Ask yourself what minor thing you can do to add some intrigue to the boring project or task on hand and see if it helps motivate you.

Whatever you do, the next time you’re feeling like you can’t get going—when you can’t get yourself to wake up in the morning or when you have a particularly uninteresting task to do—don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, think about what it is that’s making it so hard for you to muster up motivation.

Pinpointing this won’t necessarily get you out of doing uninspiring work, but at least you won’t be so hard on yourself for feeling lazy.

Procrastination

Why does my teen procrastinate, it's probably not due to laziness..

Posted June 25, 2020 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

What Is Procrastination?
Take our Procrastination Test
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I was sitting on my couch recently, staring at my phone with my computer open on my lap. A text popped up from a teenaged client struggling with anxiety . She wrote something to the effect of, “How do I make myself do my homework? I know I need to, but I am just too lazy.”

Part of me wanted to laugh since the reason I was staring at my phone was that I, too, was procrastinating. I wanted to be working on an article I was in the middle of writing, but I couldn’t quite motivate myself to open the document. My phone was much easier.

I don’t think there is a person out there who hasn’t found themselves procrastinating at some point. I am a particular fan of what I have termed “productive procrastination .” That is when I do something productive like organizing my linen closet instead of doing the more pressing, time-sensitive task I am avoiding. I rationalize that the productive task needs to be done, but the truth is, it really doesn’t.

Procrastination is not an easy habit to break. Calling yourself lazy actually makes it harder to break. The task is made even more difficult when teenagers hear adult voices calling them lazy. In general, insulting ourselves and others reduces motivation rather than increases it. In the case of procrastination, it is also an inaccurate insult. Procrastination is rarely a problem of laziness. It is actually a problem related to emotion regulation .

We put things off because it is difficult to tolerate a feeling that the activity elicits. In my case and my client’s, we were procrastinating in order to avoid the anxiety evoked by what we needed to do.

In my client’s case, she is a high-achieving student who has fallen behind while she struggles with panic attacks. Doing homework (which she is very capable of) raises her anxiety in the short-term because she is confronted with the knowledge that she is behind.

My procrastination was fueled by the anxiety I feel when I don’t know exactly what I want to write. I hate staring at a page when I'm stuck! It makes me anxious and a bit insecure about the possibility of failure. Writing is fun for me, but uncertainty is not.

Procrastination isn’t a personality flaw or a time- management issue. It's a way of coping with challenging emotions and negative moods induced by certain tasks — boredom , anxiety, insecurity, frustration, resentment, self-doubt, and more. We procrastinate because our short-term need for a better mood outweighs our long-term need to complete the task. This need is even greater in adolescents whose emotions are less manageable. Many teens use procrastination as a maladaptive way to ward off unpleasant emotions.

I will openly admit that I have not found a cure for this behavior, as evidenced by my recent procrastination as well as the difficulty therapists have assisting clients to eliminate the habit. However, I do find a few approaches helpful for myself, and I encourage parents to apply them in handling their teens’ procrastination.

Try to mindful of what emotion your teen is avoiding instead of what task he or she is avoiding. In that way, you can work together on soothing the emotion instead of either parent or child focusing on the “lazy” insult.
Explain to teens the fact that avoidance reduces the emotion in the short-term but only increases it in the long term. That encourages them to confront the activity with the knowledge that they are saving themselves from longer-term discomfort.
I am a huge fan of setting up small rewards as motivation. Plan a fun activity for when your teen is finished, and reward smaller steps on the way to completion with small rewards (I like a chocolate break). Encourage your teen to set up their own rewards.
Most importantly, set smaller goals to allow a feeling of success. We are much more motivated to continue when we feel we have accomplished something. For example, I encouraged my client to set a goal of completing one math problem instead of telling herself she had to completely catch up. She knew she could do that and could, therefore, avoid the anxiety without avoiding the task completely.

Our teens will likely continue to procrastinate at times. We will too. Yet everyone will make more progress in breaking the habit if we separate the act from the label of “lazy.”

Alisa Crossfield, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing at The Dialectical and Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center in Westport, Connecticut.

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COMMENTS

How To Overcome Laziness While Studying: 15 Effective Tips
Some of them include - 1) Rewarding yourself while studying so you have something to look forward to; 2) Keeping goals & objectives always gives a push to study further; & 3) Eliminating distractions. Thank you for reading this blog on '15 Effective Tips On How To Overcome Laziness While Studying. If you enjoyed reading this blog then do ...
How to Stop Being Lazy and Get More Productive
Prioritize Sleep. If you tend to feel lazy, you might think you're getting too much sleep or napping too much. Create and stick to a consistent sleep care routine. It can help you stick to your daytime schedule and, in turn, help you feel more balanced and energized to take on tasks and feel more productive.
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Just a few minutes of exercise can increase energy levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression — all of which can make you feel drained and unmotivated. Try a short walk or ...
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Clean and organize your space. Having clutter around you can negatively affect your ability to get motivated. Tell yourself that you can break this habit of laziness. Negative self-talk only holds you back, so monitor your thoughts and put a positive spin on them. Break large goals into smaller, more achievable goals.
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One way to manage that communication style is to pick a set time (or times) in the day to check your mail. Do it in the morning, at lunch, and/or before you go home. That way, you can spend the rest of your time focusing on your actual work. 14. Improve your sleep. Sleep is the cornerstone of good health.
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For example, if you're lazy about exercise, find a compelling podcast and listen to it only when you run or work out. Over time, you'll start to view the time you spend exercising as "my ...
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List down your assignments that are due and arrange them like a calendar. In this way, it could help you prioritize and get it done on time. 3. Take one step at a time. Taking actions one step at a time will help you beat laziness. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller tasks will help you avoid being stressed.
30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework
Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework. Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need. 23. Stop saying "I have to" and start saying "I choose to.". When you say things like "I have to write my essay" or "I have to finish my science assignment," you'll probably feel annoyed.
The Psychology of Laziness
Some people fear success, and laziness is a way to sabotage themselves. Source: Pixabay. We are being lazy if we can do something that we ought to do but are reluctant to do it because of the ...
How to Stop Feeling Lazy and Become More Motivated
Focus on the first step. Identify just the first step to accomplishing a task. If the task is vacuuming, maybe the first step is going to get the vacuum, Pychyl explains. If the task is going for ...
Why Am I Lazy? 15 Ways for college students to Stop Being Lazy
Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness can solve many things in life. This is the antidote to being lazy. If you're mindful, you can find why you developed a tendency to procrastinate and make a choice on how to act. Don't Be Harsh on Yourself. A lot of the time, your laziness is caused by your self-judgment.
How Can I Stop Feeling Lazy to Study? (Explained!)
4. Set smaller, achievable targets. It is easier to overcome laziness while studying if you set small achievable study goals. If you keep your targets too high, you may get overwhelmed, and pressure may set in, leading to a sense of defeat. Instead, break down your goals into smaller, manageable, achievable goals.
Am I Depressed or Lazy?
Key points. Laziness is often a symptom of something more significant, like depression or anxiety, and it should not be something we judge harshly. When we take a closer look, the concept of ...
Tips for Fighting Homework Fatigue in 4 Minutes
Minutes 1 and 2: Stand up. Walk away from your computer. Shake out your arms and legs. Roll your shoulders backwards then forwards. Kick out your feet. Roll your wrists. Walk up and down stairs if you have them. I even encourage you to do a few jumping jacks. Whatever you do, just keep moving.
Strategies for Lazy Students
Lazy means you know what needs to be done to accomplish the objective, but consciously choose not to do it. Being "human" means you have the will to accomplish the objective, but something inexplicably has gone wrong. Here's the problem… To the casual observer, there is no apparent difference between being lazy and being human.
How to Get Things Done When You Have No Motivation
The five steps below can help you overcome the roadblock. 1. Accurately diagnose your feelings. Many other emotions masquerade as low motivation. If you accurately diagnose your emotions, the path ...
Brain Fried: 19 Tips for Overcoming Cognitive Fatigue
Take time for walking breaks, snack breaks, and brain rest. This can help you recharge and avoid cognitive overload. Make study periods longer and more focused. The longer you study, the more ...
Too Lazy To Do Homework
What To Do If I Am Too Lazy To Do Homework: 4 Useful Suggestions. Laziness gets to us all at one point or another. We just have to find ways to overcome it and power through. While laziness can be powerful, it is just a temporary feeling. It can often be overcome by simple force of will. The reach of real will power can be endless as long as ...
[Advice] I'm too lazy to do school work, I'm afraid I won't even
I used to get good grades and wanted to get into the T20 colleges, but I fked up my junior year and now I'm too lazy to do anything for senior year. I'm too lazy to study for tests, do homework, pay attention in class, now I'm afraid I won't even graduate high school.
I'm just too tired to do homework/study after school every day
Try doing your homework during debate tournaments, There is usually time between rounds for you to study. If you don't break to the next round, just study. Also, try to be an active listener during your actual class periods. The more you listen in class, the less you need to study. Try taking a break and watching a tv show or something after ...
Homework Struggles May Not Be a Behavior Problem
This list is hardly comprehensive. ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, depression, dysregulation, and a range of other neurodevelopmental and ...
Why You're Too Lazy to Do Work in the Office
That's when I looked back at my own instances of so-called unwillingness to get work done. Usually, it's because I'm writing on a topic that my heart's not completely in. Stubblebine agrees: "Perhaps you're not lazy, or grossly unmotivatable—you're just not tapping into those things that get you going. That's not a value ...
Why Does My Teen Procrastinate?
She wrote something to the effect of, "How do I make myself do my homework? I know I need to, but I am just too lazy." Part of me wanted to laugh since the reason I was staring at my phone was ...

How to Stop Being Lazy

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How To Stop Being Lazy: 24 Tips That Actually Work!

1. Accept yourself for what you are.

2. Understand why you are not motivated.

3. Develop better habits.

4. Set some reasonable goals.

5. Work on small things.

6. Use time management techniques.

7. Don’t allow yourself to make excuses.

8. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of completion.

9. Reward yourself for completing tasks.

10. Protect your personal space.

11. Do not let managers use the word “lazy” to influence you.

12. Reduce your stress.

13. Embrace planning and scheduling.

14. Improve your sleep.

15. Improve your diet.

16. Get regular exercise.

17. Drink more water.

18. Surround yourself with motivated, positive people.

19. Lean into your personal strengths.

20. Do use motivators.

21. Don’t rely solely on willpower to get things done.

22. Redefine what it means to fail.

23. Stop thinking and start doing.

24. Live in the present.

About The Author

All About Laziness: What Causes It and What to Do About It

What Is Laziness?

What Causes Laziness?

A Coping Mechanism

The Habitual Behavior Factor

Environment

Energy and Willpower (and Sleep)

Personality Characteristics

Distraction

Is Being Lazy Bad for My Health?

6 Tips for How to Be Less Lazy

1. Do Less, Not More

2. Get Specific

3. Make It Fun

4. Practice Single-Tasking and Taking Tech-Free Breaks

5. Be More Mindful

6. Go Easy on Yourself

Common Questions & Answers

Seth Gillihan, PhD

Markham Heid

10 Tips on How to Overcome Laziness in Studying

1. Be in a comfortable place.

2. Make a study plan.

3. Take one step at a time.

4. Make a to-do list.

5. Remove all distractions.

6. Find motivation.

7. Think about its consequences.

8. Do easier tasks.

9. Discipline yourself.

10. Reward yourself.

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30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.