8 Easy Steps to Overcome Laziness and Regain Enthusiasm

October 22, 2025 | 10:19 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Feeling lazy can come at any time, especially when the body is tired and the mind is exhausted. However, if left unchecked, laziness can turn into a habit that hinders productivity and life goals. Have you ever stared at a laptop screen for hours, but not a single task is completed? Or postponed tasks with the excuse of "later"?

According to a study published in the journal Human Arenas in 2018, laziness can be seen as a failure to act as expected due to conscious and controllable factors. One of the factors is the lack of effort from the individual.

So, how do you fight it? Here are 8 ways that can help you fight laziness and regain enthusiasm in facing the day:

1. Change the Way You Talk to Yourself

The way you talk and think about yourself has a great influence. If you are constantly trapped in negative thoughts such as "I can't," motivation will decrease.

On the other hand, use affirmative sentences like "I am capable" or "I am in control." Positive thinking helps the brain be more prepared to act.

2. Divide Tasks into Small Goals

Quoting from Business Insider, one of the keys to overcoming laziness is to divide large tasks into small, easily manageable steps.

Write a daily to-do list, create a realistic timeline, and mark each small progress. This method helps you feel constantly moving forward, not overwhelmed.

3. Use the 5-Minute Rule

This simple technique encourages you to start working for just five minutes. After five minutes, laziness will usually disappear and you will be encouraged to continue your work.

4. Try the Pomodoro Technique

A time management technique created by Francesco Cirillo. This technique can help you focus for 25 minutes, and then take a 5-minute break.

Repeat this four times, and take a longer break afterward. This method is very effective in maintaining focus and preventing mental fatigue.

5. Avoid Multitasking

Working on multiple tasks at once actually makes the brain tired quickly. Focus on one task until completed before moving on to another. This way, the results are more optimal and your motivation remains intact.

6. Limit the Use of Social Media

Notifications and social media content often become traps that consume time unconsciously. Set a specific schedule, for example, only open social media for one hour a day, to maintain focus.

7. Set Specific Goals

According to Joseph Ferrari and Timothy Pychyl, overly general intentions often make a person easily delay tasks.

Instead of saying "I will exercise later," change it to "I will attend a yoga class at 7 a.m. on Saturday." Concrete goals will help motivate you.

8. Surround Yourself with Proactive People

Energy is contagious. Being in a productive environment can encourage you to be active. If your friends or colleagues are diligent and initiative, chances are that energy will be contagious.

Feeling lazy is a human thing. However, with small strategies and the right mindset changes, this habit can be transformed into more stable and enjoyable productivity.

NUR NADIAH ISLAMIYAH | BUSINESS INSIDER | BFI | EVERY DAY HEALTH 

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