A lot of people find it very difficult to stay focused when working from home because there are so many distractions and excuses that can get in the way.
Beating laziness is a necessary part of getting things done. Laziness can have a variety of causes. In most cases, the task that needs to be completed isn’t an enjoyable one and you’ll find all sorts of excuses and distractions not to execute.
Dealing with laziness in Recruitment is an important self-management skill. Getting things done when you don’t feel like doing them is empowering. Achieving results and hitting your targets becomes motivating in itself, but you have to drive yourself to get started.
Here’s how to overcome laziness and accomplish more each day when working from home:
1. Take frequent, short breaks. Tell yourself that you’ll work for 25 minutes and then take a quick break. Focus with all you might and work intensely for those 25 minutes, and then relax for five.
2. Be tough on yourself. Getting started requires the most willpower. Once you’ve started, it’s easy to keep going. Grind your way through the first few minutes and then use the momentum to your advantage.
3. Stand up straight when making that important call. Slouching and laziness go together. Stand up tall and straight. You’ll feel better and sound more motivated and positive.
4. Monitor your inner dialog. Say positive things about the task at hand. Negative talk will stall your progress.
5. Stop thinking about it. When you think about doing an undesirable task, you feel uncomfortable. That’s the reason you won’t do it. So, don’t think about it – JUST DO IT
6. Exercise regularly. Keep it short, intense and regular. Change your physiology, and your thoughts will change, too. Personally, I find my productivity halves on the days I don’t exercise before work.
7. Use a timer. See how long it takes you to complete the task. Make a game out of it. Another option is to set a timer for 15 minutes and see if you can perform the task for those 15 minutes without having even one negative thought. Timers are great for increasing focus.
8. Get rid of the distractions. Get away from the TV or radio talk back and turn your mobile phone off.
9. Be proud of getting your tasks completed. Most of us hate performing a particular task, and then feel neutral about getting it done. Get excited about completing these annoying tasks. Give yourself a pat on the back and a reward when they’re completed. It could be something as simple as a cup of tea or a great coffee but don’t reward yourself until your tasks are completed.
10. Make a to-do list. This is the most important one for me. Cross the items off as they’re completed and enjoy the progress you’re making. There’s something satisfying about marking items off a list.
Laziness and lack of motivation is a common dilemma when working from home.
Hopefully there are a few workable strategies here to get you going. Put them into action straight away and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results.
