6 Powerful Life Hacks You Need to Stop Being Lazy

Okay, here it is — the anti-procrastination post with real talk and tough love about getting things done when you just plain don’t feel like it. These are seriously powerful life hacks to stop being lazy, but you have to be willing to use them!

Even when we feel like we know how to stop being lazy, there are still times when we don’t do the things we know we SHOULD do. This happens even when we’re perfectly capable of doing. the. things.

It’s time to stop being lazy!

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Why It’s Time to Learn How to Deal With Laziness

You need a clean house. You and your family need decent meals and clean clothes. You need to exercise to stay healthy. You need enough income to pay your bills, save for the future, and have some fun. You need to do all of this while working toward bigger goals that truly inspire you.

Let me just say, I firmly believe that if you’re in a relationship or have a family, everyone should do their part and ALL of these things should not fall on your shoulders. But sometimes they do. Or, maybe your smaller list of tasks still doesn’t appeal to you.

However, those tasks are still important, and you need to do them. Laziness is not good for you, and it’s definitely not a good habit to model for those around you.

This post is NOT discussing physical or mental issues that affect your ability to work. This is NOT an “it’s okay, some days you need to take a break” sort of post.

This is a ‘What if you’re just lazy?’ post with tough talk.

*If you’re looking for a kinder, gentler post about beating procrastination, head over to read 5 Ways Overwhelmed Overthinkers Can Beat Procrastination.

Still with me and ready to stop being lazy? Awesome! Keep reading…  

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How to Be Less Lazy and More Motivated

We all have reasons for being lazy. Even though they might be totally legit, stuff still HAS to get done. We know this, and now it’s time to do. the. things.

1. Necessary Chores are NOT Negotiable

Hate doing dishes? Despise taking out the trash? So you just don’t do it? Or maybe you buy more socks and underwear because you forgot to do laundry?

Stop. that. behavior. right. now.

Seriously, if you keep on that path, you’re going to end up on one of those hoarders shows. The nasty ones. It makes me shudder to think about that happening to you.

Pick up Marla Cilley’s book “Sink Reflections” and get a handle on your house. You will feel SO much better about yourself — and far less guilty about catching an episode of your favorite show after the chores are finished.

Related reading: 4 Fast + Simple Habits to Keep a Clean and Tidy Home

2. Use Positive Self-Talk

Stop calling yourself lazy! It only reinforces the idea and causes you to more easily accept inaction.

Instead, replace the negative self-talk with positive affirmations and motivational phrases.

3. Don’t Sit Down

The simple act of sitting on a squishy, comfy couch — especially with your phone “just to check” your social media accounts — sends a signal to your brain that you’re finished working.

Just don’t even go there.

I know you’re tired after working all day. Or maybe you work from home and have a difficult project due, but you didn’t sleep well the night before. 

You know as well as I do that it’s all too easy to make those excuses every. single. day.

Keep moving and do SOMETHING simple and productive. It will kick-start your motivation and help you stop being lazy.  

4. Make New Friends

You really do become like the people you choose to surround yourself with. Be very, very careful in your choices.

One of the best things you can do is form friendships with “go-getters” and people who know how to get things done. This one step will change your life.

Observe those people. Learn what makes them tick. Imitate them. But don’t just be a ‘taker’ — be sure to contribute to the friendship.

Yes, it is difficult to pull back from long-term friendships you’ve had that may no longer serve you. And I’m not saying to drop friends SIMPLY because they aren’t super-achievers.

However, if you find you and your friends are enabling each other to blow off more and more essential or important tasks every day, then it’s time for a change.

If you’re a true introvert who can’t face making new friends, at least read about the people who are incredibly accomplished in the areas where you want to succeed. Listen to practical and motivational podcasts.

Fill your mind with active alternatives to your current lazy habits.

5. Turn Off the Television

I love a good Netflix binge as much as the next person, but let’s be honest… watching episode after episode of great TV does absolutely NOTHING to move you toward your goals.

And you’re certainly not going to get your house cleaned or decluttered if you’re sitting on your butt.

Related reading: Why Unplugging From Technology Will Make Your Life Better

woman running along beautiful path with green scenery

6. Turn On the Music

Your favorite ‘get moving’ music is fantastic motivation to get off the couch. It engages your internal rhythms, and pretty soon you almost can’t help yourself from moving instead of sitting like a slug.

If you need to work on a project, try listening to music that incorporates binaural beats. You can find several albums on Amazon Prime Music.

Alternatively, if you need absolute quiet to work, get some high-quality earplugs or really good earmuffs. That way your mind can focus or work through problems without interruption.

7. Schedule Your Day *Bonus Tip*

First, schedule essential tasks — like cleaning, cooking and eating meals, laundry, etc.

Then, schedule important tasks that will help you live better and reach your goals — like exercise, family activities, reading, working on your business idea, etc.

Give yourself generous time blocks, but make sure you account for the entire day. That way you never have to think about what to do next — even if it’s a long lunch. When your scheduled time is up, move on to the next item.

Don’t skip essential tasks. If the next item on your list is ‘clean the bathroom’ and you would much rather keep working on that fun financial spreadsheet you’re making… Sorry, you need to get up and clean the bathroom! And don’t cheat by only scheduling things you like to do!

After a while, you will get faster at the tasks you don’t like, giving yourself more time and energy to tackle the tasks that will truly improve your life.

Related reading: How to Stop Being Lazy and Exercise: 20 Tips for When You Have No Motivation

More Resources to Help You Quit Being Lazy

Stop Thinking and Start Doing: A Goal Setting Starter Plan

The ONE FOCUS Method: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Yourself from Overwhelmed to Accomplished

10 Productive Things To Do In The Fall to Build Your Best Life

Printable 90-Day Personal Growth Journal with prompts

Next Step to Get Rid of Laziness

Grab the printable anti-procrastination worksheet! Answer the questions and make a plan.

Review your worksheet plan and reminder list every day and USE THEM along with the life hacks in this post so you can stop being lazy and start living a happier, better life without the constant guilt of unfinished tasks!

You’ve got this!


Did you find this post helpful? Please take a moment to share on Pinterest or your favorite social media… thank you!

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10 thoughts on “6 Powerful Life Hacks You Need to Stop Being Lazy”

  1. This is a very useful article to help someone kicj their but and get going. As a home maker and mother, laziness is very easy to set in. Home chores take up a lot of energy and that’s the excuse we use to procastinate other important stuff. Thank you for this super useful post.

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