QUESTION
How do I tackle extreme laziness to increase productivity? For example, here are some problems associated with it:
- Writing down tasks to do, but executing none
- Getting bored at all times
- Feeling sleepy at all times
- Reading blogs and self help books, but not implementing them
- Not looking at big picture
- Not able to concentrate on one small thing.
ANSWER
Ironically the self-help books can make things worse by making it seem like you have to do something big to "fix" yourself.
There are lots of factors here, but here a few things to try:
- Drink more water. Hydration is vital to the proper production of energy; I aim for 2 litres a day and keep a jug next to me at my desk to keep it easy.
- Consider what and when you eat. Not a big deal, but eat sensible portions, eat at regular times, don't eat fast food, avoid junk food and so on.
- If you're making lists and failing to complete them focus on why you need to complete them rather than that you have to complete them. I have lots on my list every day, all to do with different focuses (game dev, writing, etc..) and this leads to stressing out about how much you have to do and doing nothing as a result. Now I focus on one area a week, so that I have a whole week in which to achieve something.
- Life can be boring, so find things that you enjoy and make time to do them. I listen to music all day; even in work with a set of in-ear headphones (consider politeness in the office though, obviously)
- Don't hate yourself for failing, and on that note, don't call it failing! If you create a negative status around it you'll perpetuate it.
- Sounds stupid but look at how you sleep. If you go to bed at 3 in the morning you're going to be tired all day, I know that’s obvious but if you've been sleeping little for years you may not even realise it.
- And finally, forget the big picture. It helps to be aware of it, and to work towards it, but it's the small things that make the big picture so they matter most.
Good luck :-)
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