How To Get Shit Done When You're Feeling Lazy

Productivity tips that work

Sometimes we have to learn the hard way that being lazy can get us into trouble. Work deadlines need to be met, the household needs to be run, and yet all you feel like doing is curling up on the couch and binge-watching bad reality TV. When we put things off, it only creates more work in the future. There is no magic pill for supplying you with endless motivation (if there were, and it was legal, I would buy it by the tons) however these 7 tips may just help you get moving along:

1. Give a Damn

You need to care about what you want to accomplish and take pride in doing so. Perhaps you're familiar with the quote, "There are no small parts, only small actors." Even if the task is menial, do it to the best of your ability and that energy will flow into other areas in your life. Show up and get it done. 

2. No Social Media

This one is a no-brainer, however, it is so easy to get trapped into social media when all the various apps are front and center on your phone. Put all social media apps in a folder on your phone and save it on the second page of your phone, not the homepage. Schedule time for social media. Do you really need to check Facebook 10 times in one hour? Don't be that person. 

3. Procrastinate Wisely

Listen, it's okay to be lazy. It's okay to do absolutely nothing! Be smart about it, schedule it in and don't let it linger too long. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind Broadway's hit Hamilton, told The Huffington Post, “It’s no accident that the best idea I’ve ever had in my life — perhaps maybe the best one I’ll ever have in my life — came to me on vacation...The moment my brain got a moment’s rest, Hamilton walked into it.” Enough said.

4. Wake Up Earlier and Exercise

This one may be hard at first, but trust me when I say that waking up early and getting some form of exercise will do wonders to your mentality, plus keep the extra pounds at bay. It won't happen overnight, but after a few days you will begin to notice that you have more energy and you're not feeling lazy 90% of the time. You will actually have the motivation to get shit done. And while you're at it, be cognizant of what you put in your body. After all, it's what fuels us.

5. Deal With Things NOW

I read an article once where Kim Kardashian (yes, her) asserted that she always ends her day with 0 messages in her inbox and 0 text messages. Meaning, when something comes her way, she deals with it. Whether it's to delegate, delete, actually doing the task at hand, or deferring it, the point is you should make like Oliva Pope and "get it handled."

6. Say No

We all want to be agreeable and liked, but guess what? That is one slippery slope! If you don't have time for something or simply cannot do it, say no. No explanation needed.

7. Download Some (Free) Help

Remember The Milk is a straightforward app that syncs with your online calendar. It's simple and flexible and best of all free.

What are your go-to tips and tricks for getting shit done?