11 Motivation Hacks to Trick Your Brain To Be PRODUCTIVE When You Are Feeling Lazy

It's common to experience moments of low motivation, especially when faced with a long to-do list. However, there are ways to trick your brain into being more productive, even when you're feeling lazy. 

I often get asked how do I have time to do all the things that I do, the truth is that its hard.  And when you see these things on social media you don’t always see the work behind the post so it appears to be much easier than it actually is.  Ive learned to really try and live my day with a sense of purpose, but this had to be learned… it didn’t happen overnight.  What I learned is that you can trick your mind to become productive and you can be motivated with certain hacks. And Im going to share those hacks with you today.

 1.  Set Small Goals: Break down your to-do list into smaller, manageable tasks. This will help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task, which can motivate you to keep going.  So for me the may be to do all of s certain like task like do all the laundry or answer all my email.  Grouping tasks really helps me to feel a sense of accomplishment because I’ve tricked my brain into thinking I’ve done more than I actually have and that really helps me to stay motivated to tackle the next task. 

2.  Force Yourself to Move: Whenever there are things you don’t want to do sometimes you have to force yourself to get up and do a small amount of movement. The more I move the more my mind and body feel able to move and the energy starts to flow. Once you come home and sit down that’s the worst solution that makes a body in motion go into rest.  Try and capitalize on the momentum keeping the body in motion. It’s easier to keep the body in motion then to take a body in rest and put it in motion. Take the one small step to push your body into motion.

3.  Use Positive Self-Talk: Instead of focusing on negative self-talk, reframe your thoughts to be positive and encouraging. For example, instead of saying "I can't do this," say "I can do this, and I will take it one step at a time." 

4.  Create a Reward System: Set up a reward system for completing tasks, such as treating yourself to a snack or taking a break to watch your favorite show. This can help you stay motivated and focused. Give yourself a reward for completing the task, such as a treat or some free time to do something you enjoy. This can help to reinforce positive behavior and motivate you to keep going.

5.  Make it More Fun: Make it a game: Add an element of competition or challenge to the task by setting goals or time limits. This can make it more engaging and enjoyable.

1. Get creative: Think of ways to make the task more interesting or creative. For example, if you're cleaning the house, try rearranging the furniture or adding some decorations to make it more visually appealing.
2. Listen to music or a podcast: Play some upbeat music or listen to a podcast while you work. This can help to make the task feel less tedious and more enjoyable.
3. Take breaks: Break the task up into smaller chunks and take short breaks in between. This can help you stay focused and prevent burnout.
4. Involve others: If possible, involve others in the task. This can make it more social and enjoyable, and can also help you to feel more accountable.

6.  Use the Pomodoro Technique: The Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy where you work for a set amount of time (usually 25 minutes) and then take a short break. This can help you stay focused and productive.

 7. Change Your Environment: Sometimes, changing your environment can help you feel more motivated. Try working in a different location or adjusting the lighting and temperature in your workspace. 

8.  Time Yourself: Timing yourself when completing a task can be a useful strategy to help you stay focused, manage your time more effectively, and increase your productivity. Time yourself to see how long things take, and in some cases you will find that tasks usually take a lot less time than you think they do. Here are some steps you can take to time yourself when completing a task: 

1. Set a timer: Choose a timer that you are comfortable with, whether it's a digital timer, a stopwatch, or an app on your phone. Set the timer for the amount of time you want to spend on the task.
2. Break the task into smaller parts: If the task is large or complex, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help you stay focused and motivated.
3. Focus on the task: Once you start the timer, focus your attention solely on the task at hand. Try to avoid distractions such as social media or email.
4. Track your progress: Keep track of how much time you spend on each part of the task. This can help you identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach.
5. Take breaks: Take short breaks in between each part of the task to rest and recharge. This can help you maintain your focus and avoid burnout.
6. Adjust the time: If you find that the time you have set is too long or too short, adjust it accordingly. The goal is to find the right balance that works for you.

By timing yourself when completing a task, you can increase your productivity and get more done in less time. It can also help you stay motivated and focused, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment.

9.  Use Visualization Techniques: Visualize yourself completing your tasks and achieving your goals. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your tasks. Imagine yourself enjoying and finishing the task you will bee more likely to enjoy and complete the task instead of thinking about how much work its going to take you’re less likely to enjoy the task you’re less likely to get started.  Change your mindset: Instead of thinking of the task as a chore, try to reframe it as an opportunity for growth or learning. This can help you approach the task with a more positive attitude.

10. Stop Multi Tasking: While it may seem efficient to multitask and juggle multiple tasks at once, research has shown that multitasking can actually be detrimental to your productivity and mental well-being. Our brains are not setup to work this way.  It may feel like we are doing more but it’s actually counterproductive. When you try to focus on multiple tasks at the same time, your brain has to constantly switch back and forth between them, which can cause a significant decrease in productivity and a higher likelihood of making mistakes. Additionally, multitasking can lead to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction. By focusing on one task at a time, you can increase your productivity and improve the quality of your work. You may also find that you are better able to manage your time and achieve your goals when you eliminate distractions and concentrate on one task at a time. Ultimately, stopping multitasking can help you be more efficient, less stressed, and more effective in your work and personal life.

11. Take Time For Rest: Make sure you are taking care of your physical needs, such as getting enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition. A healthy body can lead to a more productive mind.   Taking time for rest after completing a task is an essential part of maintaining your well-being and ensuring that you are able to sustain a high level of productivity over time. To take time for rest after completing a task, start by celebrating your accomplishments and reflecting on your hard work. Next, allow yourself to take a break and disconnect from work, whether that involves stepping away from your desk or engaging in an activity that you enjoy. Additionally, make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night to help you feel refreshed and energized. By prioritizing rest and taking the time to recharge, you can maintain your focus, increase your productivity, and achieve your goals.

By implementing these motivation hacks, you can trick your brain into being more productive when you're feeling lazy. Remember to set small goals, use positive self-talk, create a reward system, use the Pomodoro technique, change your environment, use visualization techniques, and take care of your physical needs. With a little practice and dedication, you can increase your productivity and accomplish your goals.