3 steps for overcoming student laziness

10 Jan 2017

“Today I don’t feel like doing anything. I just wanna lay in my bed” – Bruno Mars (The Lazy Song)

Ah, the classic lazy syndrome…let’s not lie, it’s something we all feel from time to time. For some of us, it’s actually how we feel EVERY TIME a task is presented – It can wait. Netflix and chill for just a little longer. But unfortunately, laziness can be a real grade-killer. It sucks the fun out of studying and makes us work overtime. Not to mention, it causes unnecessary stress, and in extreme cases, can even destroy our surrounding relationships. Going hand-in-hand with procrastination, laziness fills any task with dread and prohibits our potential as successful individuals.

So what’s the deal then?

What exactly precipitates us to be lazy and to prioritize leisure before work? Why are we excited to play videogames or watch movies, but the mere thought of any form of studying triggers thoughts of self-pity and despair? Studies show there are multiple factors that discourage us from getting off our butts and finishing tasks at hand, but among the top few are those most familiar to us.

The lack of motivation, no sense of urgency, and a fear of stepping outside our comfort zones represent factors that lull us into laziness. That being said, the answer to overcoming our slothfulness may be something we’ve heard one too many times…

The secret to overcoming your laziness

“I will always find a lazy person to do the job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” – Bill Gates

Even Bill Gates, considered one of the most successful people on the planet, recognises a lazy person’s true potential.

So what’s the secret to unlocking said potential? What is the ultimate secret to overcoming laziness and not just achieving, but thrashing our goals? The truth is…

THERE IS NO SECRET!!

That’s right! We said it! You have to get out of your comfort zone, put in a significant amount of effort and make a change in your lifestyle to overcome lazy habits. Research shows that the top habits of successful students include planning your study and assignments, avoiding procrastination and eliminating distractions. With these hefty truth bombs dropped, we do have some measure of freedom to create our journey in overcoming laziness. Here are three steps students can take to (actually) overcome laziness.

1. Unleash the Beast!

Unleash your hidden energy by getting excited about the future possibilities. The first step to overcoming laziness is to GET OUT of your rut. Picture your goals and write them down. Focus on where you want to be one year from now. Stop whining about what ‘should have been’ and focus on what ‘could be’. To kick-start your engine, watch motivational videos and listen to success stories such as Elon Musk and Richard Branson.

Consider today to be a fresh start to unlimited opportunities. If your success is measured in scoring straight A’s in all your courses, visualize and start planning. Planning your goals also requires a definite timeline and measurable results. Start with baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day so you don’t need to rush your goals. Create a safe space for you to grow and achieve your intended results. Once you are high on the rush of what’s to come, move to clearing clutter in every facet of life. Be it your room, your computer, or most importantly – your mind. Throw out the unused and unwanted clutter that may be hindering your progress. A bad habit like overeating, a distraction such as your favourite videogame, or even negativity in the form of bad company – it’s all gotta’ go!

2. Pull up your socks!

Once clutter is cleared, it’s time to hit full throttle. Time to pull up those socks! This crucial step is where self-discipline comes in. Warning: it’s uncomfortable, tedious, and sometimes even painful. But in the long run, discipline is what brings you success.

Start by saying NO to temporary pleasures; Facebooking when you should be studying, playing basketball when you should be completing the assignment due on Monday, or watching another episode of The Walking Dead when you should be preparing for tomorrow’s quiz. Deny yourself momentary enjoyment for future success.

Along with saying NO to temporary pleasures, we also strive to instil good habits. Do vast reading on the habits of successful people. Read biographies of famous people and historical events. Keep to your schedule. Get a good night’s rest and start your morning by fixing a healthy breakfast. Outline your timetable and be detailed and deliberate about it. In every way possible, stick to the timetable down to the minute.

Keep your emotions in check. The younger you are, the more volatile your emotions. As laziness and emotion are correlated, we have to make sure our emotions are not the deciding factors to our actions. Don’t put off the day’s tasks of the day just because you “don’t feel like doing them”. Remember that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It also helps greatly to work smart. Working smart means thinking creatively on how to manage your time as a student. Consult fellow students who achieve good grades and ask them how they do it. Pick up valuable tips and try them. Rest assured, you’ll gain much more than just the strength to overcome the demon that is your laziness.

3. Be sure to self-review

When moving forward, it’s always good to take a glance back at the past. With every small step you take to fight laziness, look back and see how far you have come. As time goes on, you’ll look back on everything you’ve achieved, fighting back that laziness and making sweet, sweet progress. Not only will this build confidence, it will also drive you to succeed as an honourable student. After the self-check, it’s important that you reward yourself accordingly.

Laziness is a negative, almost parasitic trait we must all fight to overcome. For some of us, it takes a while to truly win the battle. But have faith that you can do it! Follow these 3 steps and soon your laziness will be but a figment of the past.

This article was written by Joel Vijay from iPrice Group