To stop being lazy and unmotivated, start with small actions like the "Two-Minute Rule" (doing something for just 2 minutes) to build momentum, create clear, achievable goals (e.g., "just get started"), improve sleep/diet/exercise, and manage stress, while also questioning the "why" behind your lack of motivation, as it could stem from deeper issues needing professional support.
How to Overcome Laziness and a Lack of Motivation
The main difference between 'ordinary' laziness and ADHD is that lazy people don't make an effort to complete the tasks, and they don't feel guilt or anxiety when they don't complete the task. Laziness is defined as an unwillingness to work. People with ADHD put effort and care into their work.
Often misunderstood, laziness is not a mere lack of ambition or motivation. It can stem from a multitude of factors such as physical fatigue, mental burnout, lack of interest, or even the presence of underlying psychological issues.
The 3-Second Rule is pretty straightforward: when you think of something you need to do, you've got three seconds to start doing it. Three, two, one and then take immediate action. No dilly-dallying, no second-guessing, just get on with it. It's all about creating a sense of urgency to kickstart your motivation.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
The ADHD "2-Minute Rule" suggests doing any task taking under two minutes immediately to build momentum, but it often backfires by derailing focus due to weak working memory, time blindness, and transition difficulties in people with ADHD. A better approach is to write down these quick tasks on a separate "catch-all" list instead of interrupting your main work, then schedule specific times to review and tackle them, or use a slightly longer timeframe like a 5-minute rule to prevent getting lost down "rabbit holes".
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
If you suspect that your lack of motivation or low mood may be more than just laziness, it's essential to seek professional help. Warning signs include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
The Top 5 Motivational Killers
In the years since that research, observing people at work and leading projects, I've concluded that simple theories of motivation are misleading. In Why Work? (1988, 1995), I suggested that to motivate followers, leaders should employ a mix of four Rs: Responsibili- ties, Relationships, Rewards, Reasons.
It could be you have an underlying mental health issue or mental disorder that needs attention. Depression is the most common mental health issue that has low motivation as a symptom. The onset of low motivation is for many long-term depression sufferers a sign they are falling into another cycle.
The issue can be linked to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, and poor study habits. Procrastination is connected to negative functioning and risks to mental health. People who procrastinate tend to have high levels of anxiety as well as poor impulse control. Procrastination is even linked to physical illness.
Apathy is when you lack motivation to do things or just don't care much about what's going on around you. Apathy can be a symptom of mental health problems, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. It often lasts a long time. You may lack the desire to do anything that involves thinking or your emotions.
The 5 C's of ADHD, developed by psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline, is a framework for parents and individuals to manage ADHD challenges, focusing on Self-Control, Compassion, Collaboration, Consistency, and Celebration. This approach builds skills for better emotional regulation (Self-Control), empathy (Compassion), working together (Collaboration), establishing routines (Consistency), and recognizing progress (Celebration) to foster a supportive environment and reduce stress.
The ADHD burnout cycle is a pattern where constant effort to manage ADHD symptoms (like executive dysfunction, overstimulation, and masking) leads to extreme mental/physical exhaustion, a "crash," and a shame spiral, often followed by trying to overcompensate again, repeating the cycle. It involves phases like the initial push/overcompensation, the struggle/stress, the collapse/shutdown, and the guilt-ridden recovery attempt, resulting in fatigue, irritability, procrastination, and disengagement from life.
The 3-3-3 Productivity Rule is a simple framework for structuring your day by focusing on three types of tasks: 3 hours on your most important project, completing 3 shorter, urgent tasks, and handling 3 essential maintenance activities (emails, admin, etc.) to maintain your life and work smoothly, creating a focused yet balanced routine for productivity.
Increase stress relief by exercising outdoors—people with ADHD often benefit from sunshine and green surroundings. Try relaxing forms of exercise, such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi. In addition to relieving stress, they can teach you to better control your attention and impulses.
The top 3 core symptoms of ADHD are inattention (difficulty focusing, staying organized), hyperactivity (excess restlessness, excessive movement), and impulsivity (acting without thinking, poor self-control). People with ADHD often experience a combination of these, though some might primarily struggle with inattention (inattentive type) or hyperactivity/impulsivity (hyperactive-impulsive type).
18 ways to overcome laziness
I came across this concept perhaps a month ago... if you don't know it, it's straightforward. Count backwards from 5 to 1 and then take action immediately. This could help for getting out of bed in the morning, deciding not to eat a sugary snack, making a cold call etc.
Drink enough fluids, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and manage stress. If your dizziness comes with an upset stomach, try medicine called an antihistamine. Get the kind that's sold without a prescription. Examples include meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).