In the beginnings of the year, I have set a multitude of intentions for myself, very few of them which I think will last throughout 2017. Every year I tell myself "this will be the year!" that I actually keep my resolutions, and every year I fail. So, instead of berating myself for doing so, I've decided to come up with a list of things that might help me keep my resolutions.
1. Replace "tomorrow" with "not a priority"
I actually learned this from a video made by ASAP Science called "Dear Lazy People" where they addressed somewhat the same topic. The idea is to say "[insert activity/task] is not a priority, therefore it can wait til tomorrow". Instead of accepting the excuse, it will help you realize the gravity of whatever it is you're deciding to avoid. That paper that is 20% of my final grade is not a priority. Feeding my dog is not a priority. Or, the example that ASAP used, my health is not a priority. You get the gist!
2. Set a Timer
This is one thing that really helps me, but might not be the thing for everyone. I personally am guilty of binge watching ridiculously useless videos one Youtube, and whenever I get bored of what I am currently doing, (usually a homework assignment) I turn to Youtube. As a sibling of four, I naturally have a competitive element. Setting a timer gives me the freedom to continue that bad habit, but also brings out my competitive nature. By setting the timer, I feel the need to beat it, so I don't end up searching Youtube videos and end up being much more productive than I thought possible. Here's to being a competitive sibling!
3. Prioritize
Ah, that word: priority. The truth of the matter is, every day is filled with decisions, and that includes what we must do first. Writing down a to-do list of what needs to be done both organizes your thoughts about what needs to be done, and also gives you a time frame of how much you can accomplish. Then you pick and choose what needs to be done and what might have to wait until tomorrow.
4. Use the 60 Second Rule
Though you may have heard this rule before, it does add an immense amount of logic to monotonous everyday tasks. The rule is, if the task will take less than 60 seconds to do, you must do it. Granted, this takes a bit of discipline, but putting the task into context and realizing that it will take less than 60 seconds will at least inspire you to get it over with. For example, washing your cereal bowl. It takes about 30 seconds to do, and it will add to a much cleaner environment and then it won't take up space in your mind for the rest of the day.
5. Recognize When You need to Take a Break
This is arguably the hardest trick on the list. But, in order to increase productivity, you also need to have some time for yourself, and just chill. Whether that's by reading a book or watching a film or going for a bike ride, make sure you have some you-time before you go back to kicking serious butt. One thing that I may add to this is that your you-time should also have a timer. Say, an hour before you go to bed or an hour in the morning. Setting a timer for this as well ensures that you don't binge on Netflix shows or something of the like. Then you'll also have something to look forward to the next time you have you time!
6. Try a 30 Day Challenge
Don't knock it til you try it is my policy. In case you don't know, the idea behind a 30 Day Challenge is to either pick one thing to accomplish for 30 days (for example, getting out of bed within 5 minutes of waking up) or accomplishing something different within the same category every day. For example, take a picture of something on your way to work or school every day for 30 days. Personally, I'm writing a letter to a different person every day. You decide how big or small you want to make it, and there are plenty of ideas online. I find this helpful because I find it fun, and also it gives me both a sense of accomplishment and a sense of consistency. Doing it for 30 days may even result in something more permanent - who knows?
7. Break down your Tasks
This tip is pretty self explanatory, but it's also quite useful. Say you have a paper to write - ensure that you write for one hour a day until it's due, for example. Or spend 3 days researching something and 3 days writing it. You know. Break it down.
8. Make Sure to Fill Your Time
Now hear me out. I don't mean to fill your time with only work, but try to make plans with a friend. Instead of satiating laziness by watching something or eating out of boredom (as I am guilty of), spend your time with someone else or making plans to do so. This will fill your time with the presence of another human being as opposed to something that probably won't give you long term happiness. Fill your time with things that bring you joy in addition to things you must do. Other people don't necessarily have to be involved, but adding other people into your schedule is a great way to both curb laziness and establish healthy relationships.
9. Prince Ea
He's a spoken word poet. He's pretty inspiring. I watch this whenever I need to feel inspired.
10. Creating Folders and Staying Organized!
This is a big one for me. The more consistently you stay organized, the less time you'll spend finding documents that you may have lost, the less excuse you'll have to "find it later". Personally, I keep an overall folder for the school I'm attending, a folder for the semester, and a folder for each class that I'm taking that respective semester. If there are things I must categorize within the class, I go for it.
11. Keep A Planner
We may be a week into the new year, but it's never too late to start a planner. Writing down what you need to do will prevent you from forgetting it, and there are a few different methods of going about this. I know someone who will write something down on a sticky note and put it on their laptop, so they will be inspired to do the task if only to get rid of the sticky note. Personally, I keep a bullet journal, where you essentially choose how to organize everything and keep it all in one place. It's taken me a few years, but I think I've finally found a good method.
12. Forgive Yourself
Would it really be a me article if I don't end on a mushy note? The truth of the matter is, we are all human. We will slip up and we will binge and we will have days where we're so down that we have a lot of difficulty following even the simplest routine. Everybody has an off day. But don't allow the off day to mess with the amount of progress you may have made and could potentially make. Every day is a fresh start. So forget about yesterday, because the chances are, today will be different. And if you need a break, take it. No harm in a break every once in a while.
Hopefully you found something here that may have been helpful. May your day be fruitful and your evening anything but lazy!
