Look, I'm just as lazy as the next person, if not lazier. I'm an 18 year old college student - I don't want to do anything but eat, sleep, and watch Netflix. But, the first week of my spring semester was a harsh awakening after the lounge-fest that was my winter break. I woke up this week and I've devised a plan for myself so I can get s*** done. Now, I don't have any excuses. I have all the tools I need to be successful and if I don't build my own future, it's on me. So, now I'm putting that pressure on you. Here's the tools you need, get buildin'.
1. Live A Healthier Lifestyle
Eat healthy and you'll have more energy. Sleep more than the appropriate amount of hours and you'll have more energy. Exercise and you'll have more energy. Sensing a pattern here? The more energy you have, the more productive you'll be. No more two p.m. slump. No more naps. You'll look better, feel better, and work harder. Don't say "Oh, I'll start next week," do it now.
2. Set Goals And Create A Plan To Achieve Them
Keep your goals challenging but attainable. No need to set yourself up for failure. Make life time goals, long term goals, and short term goals. Not every goal has to be groundbreaking, even small victories are still victories! And make sure you create a plan of action to achieve those goals as well. Writing "re-do the kitchen" on a piece of paper is a start, but just looking at that monumental task can be stressful. Break it down into little bite size pieces. Get it done step by step and soon enough you'll have the kitchen all your friends are absolutley living for.
3. Make A Daily Schedule And Stick To It
Plan out what you're going to do and when you're going to do it. Put it in a planner, put it into a calendar, write on your hand, I don't care. Just get it down. Make sure you check it everyday and keep track of what you completed and what you still need to do. Don't stop grinding until you get everything done. There's no better feeling than going to sleep knowing you got everything for today done and having a plan of action for tomorrow. Make sure you keep the plans updated and get ahead if you have lots of free time!
4. Surround Yourself With Motivated People
Competition is one of the most powerful motivators. Healthy competition, that is. We all have that one friend who has their life together with seemingly minimal effort, but I can guarantee you that they didn't start out that way. Instead of getting annoyed or discouraged because they're "just so perfect", admire them, let them inspire you to do better. Watch what they do and take notes. I'm sure they could teach you quite a lot. That being said, keep your big projects to yourself. Nothing will discourage you more than a skeptic. Some people love to tear others down.
Here's a few little tips that could help you with those four things or help you get through a slump. Stop multi-tasking. Nobody is good at it. You're just going to make your life harder. Eliminate distractions. Pretty self explanatory, I think. Reward yourself. Go get some cake. You earned it. Go with your gut. Don't get caught up in decision making. Your gut is always right, trust it. Embrace the panic. Sounds crazy, but a little stress is a good thing. Don't let anxiety freeze you, let it fuel you. Be positive. No "I can't!" Be flexible/adaptable. S*** happens, just reschedule what you can't do and get it done as soon as possible. Don't stress over it.
You can do it, you just have to get up and get it done.
"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -J.K. Rowling
