How Not To Be Lazy At Work In 3 Simple Steps
By Michael Lee

Wondering how not to be lazy at work? It’s true; we procrastinate and feel a little lethargic sometimes. But in today’s busy world, we all have responsibilities that can’t wait, so we just can’t afford to be unproductive.

Instead of wasting your time reading blogs on the Internet, or chatting away with your colleagues while “waiting for inspiration to strike,” here are 3 simple steps you can follow on how not to be lazy at work.

Step 1: Identify What It Is That’s Holding You Back.

Think about why you don’t feel like working. Are you tired, hungry, bored or worried? Did you forget to do some chores? Do you have other pending jobs you have yet to start?

It’s difficult to focus on the task at hand when you are preoccupied. If it’s something you can fix easily, attending to it immediately will make it one less thing to worry about and will help clear your mind. It will also help you get into the mood of getting things done.

Step 2: Make A List.

Making a list will help you prioritize and keep things organized. Write down all the things you have to do and allot a specific timeframe to accomplish each one of them.

Prioritize the important and urgent matters, and work on ticking them off one by one. This will help you learn how not to be lazy at work, as well as keep you focused and energized during the day.

Step 3: Reward Yourself For Your Accomplishments.

The promise of a reward at the end of a task will get you inspired to accomplish it. Give yourself small treats, like some snacks or a mini break for relaxation, so that you feel motivated to keep up the good work.

This will also help you in developing a mindset that appreciates hard work. Eventually, being productive will come naturally, and you wouldn’t have to spend time thinking about ways to stop procrastinating and getting things done.

It’s normal to feel lazy sometimes - what matters is that you push through it. Keep inspiring and encouraging yourself. Remember that if you want something done, you have to start doing something, anything.

The thing that matters most in making yourself productive is internal motivation. You can’t just rely on other people or on incentives in learning how not to be lazy at work. Prioritization, organization and inspiration are important if you want to make the best out of your time.