A number of people get just enough sleep to make it through an average workday, with perhaps a little energy to spare for dinnertime. Meanwhile, all of these unfinished chores and unfulfilled personal interests pile up around them. By the weekend, all hopes of accomplishing anything constructive are gone, and the result is often that the person doesn't manage to do much at all. They're not making much money because they're lazy and they're also probably spending too much money on takeout, deliveries, and many other things that make laziness feel like a vacation. We're not saying that pampering or rewarding yourself is bad, we just believe that everything should come with a limit. Laziness can be defeated, however, once a few changes have been made in your mindset.
Ironically, one way to combat laziness is to get more sleep. Many people are perpetually sleep deprived, since they stay up too late to unwind and get up too early to prepare for work. Sleep-deprived people are prone to expend all of their energy at work and have little motivation once they arrive home. This works hand in hand with a lack of motivation and a tendency to procrastinate. By adjusting your sleep schedule to provide a few more hours of meaningful rest, you can fight the urge to do nothing throughout the day.
Another way to fight this problem is to change your mindset from passive to active. Some people treat their lives as if some invisible taskmaster were pushing and pulling them from project to project. Others take a more proactive approach, viewing each project or task as a challenge that they alone must overcome. Laziness sets in when you no longer feel in charge of your own life. Change your mindset to that of a driven CEO of the most powerful company in the world, and you really want to plow through all of those petty details stopping you from total world domination.
Some people remove the temptations that encourage them to be lazy. A hammock in the backyard might be nice, but it could be the stumbling block between you and the lawnmower. A television in the den or living room may provide entertainment, but several TVs scattered throughout the house often promote the tendency to devote all of your attention to the box. Create a reward system for yourself, much like parents might do for a child to promote responsibility. Complete a certain number of chores and reward yourself with a gourmet dinner. If you're a hobbyist, celebrate after completing a project.
Laziness can be a learned behavior, so examine your home and work environment. People who have a lot of downtime on the job, waiting for others to complete their assignments, can use that time to catch up on paperwork or sketch out future plans. Don't copy co-workers who are prone to slack off whenever the supervisor leaves or the workload lessens Even the most motivated worker can fall into this trap on the job if he or she doesn't create a constructive diversion.
The urge to do nothing can also be a recurring problem at home as well. Spouses and children may all have different energy levels, but a chronic lack of activity can be contagious if not addressed promptly. To fight it in your household, lead by example. Be the first to collect and wash dishes after a meal. Do not allow household garbage bags to collect by the can. Others in the home may eventually follow your example and perform their own chores, since it's often difficult to do nothing when surrounded by motivated people.
Starting an exercise regimen can also help. Exercise and a proper diet can raise the body's metabolic rate and stamina, which in turn reduces the temptation to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Some chronic lack of motivation may be triggered by depression or other emotional energy drain, so it helps to find a stimulating activity that can pull you out of the doldrums.
