Luca (Brazil)

 

Luca (Brazil): Lately, I’ve been feeling unmotivated and lazy. I have important things to do, but I keep procrastinating. Even when I try to start, I get distracted or lose interest quickly. How can I overcome this?

Askly Help: My dear Luca, I understand that motivation can come and go, but discipline and good habits will help you push through. Here’s what you can do:

1. Start Small – Don’t wait for motivation. Begin with just five minutes of work. Once you start, you’ll often find it easier to continue.

2. Create a Routine – Set a fixed time for your tasks each day. The more consistent you are, the easier it will become.

3. Remove Distractions – Keep your phone away, work in a clean space, and use tools like timers to stay focused.

4. Break Tasks into Steps – Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, manageable parts so they feel easier to complete.

5. Reward Yourself – Set up small rewards for completing tasks. It could be a short break, a treat, or something you enjoy.

6. Think About the Consequences – Remind yourself why the task is important. What will happen if you don’t complete it? Sometimes, thinking about the outcome can push you to act.

7. Stay Active and Healthy – A lazy mind often comes from a tired body. Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep to keep your energy levels up.

Procrastination is a habit, and habits take time to change. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and soon, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated. Would you like me to help you create a daily plan to stay on track?

Luca (Brazil): Thank you, Askly Hele. Your advice makes a lot of sense. I think my biggest problem is getting started. Even when I know I need to do something, I keep delaying it. How can I push myself to take action immediately?

Askly Hele: My dear Luca, the hardest part of any task is often just getting started. Here are some strategies to help you take action right away:

1. Use the "2-Minute Rule" – If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. For bigger tasks, commit to just two minutes of work—once you start, you’ll likely keep going.

2. Count Down and Act – When you feel stuck, count “5-4-3-2-1” and immediately take action. This interrupts hesitation and pushes you forward.

3. Visualize the End Result – Close your eyes and imagine how good it will feel to complete your task. A clear goal can make starting easier.

4. Remove Decision-Making – If you overthink, simplify your choices. For example, if you need to exercise, don’t think about when or how—just put on your shoes and start moving.

5. Make It Easy to Begin – Keep everything ready in advance. If you need to study, set up your desk beforehand. If you want to work out, lay out your clothes the night before.

6. Commit Publicly – Tell a friend or family member about your goal. When others know, you’ll feel more responsible to follow through.

7. Accept Imperfection – You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just start, and you can improve as you go.

The key is to take one small step. Once you begin, the rest becomes much easier. Would you like help in setting up a routine to make starting tasks effortless?

Luca (Brazil): These strategies sound really helpful, Askly Hele. I’m especially interested in the "2-Minute Rule" and the idea of visualizing the end result. But sometimes, even when I start, I feel overwhelmed by how much I have to do. How can I manage my tasks better without feeling stressed?

Askly Hele: I understand, Luca. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when there’s a lot to do, but managing your tasks properly can help reduce stress and make everything more manageable. Here are some ways to handle it:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks – Take a moment to list everything you need to do. Then, rank tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on completing the most important ones first.

2. Break Down Large Tasks – When you look at a big task, it can feel daunting. Break it into smaller, more achievable steps, and focus on completing one step at a time.

3. Use a Time Management Technique – The Pomodoro Technique is great for this. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This will help you stay focused without feeling exhausted.

4. Set Realistic Goals – Don’t expect to do everything at once. Set achievable goals for each day and be kind to yourself if you don’t finish everything. Progress is more important than perfection.

5. Learn to Say No – Sometimes, we take on too many tasks because we don’t want to disappoint others. It’s important to say no when you’re overwhelmed and need time to focus on your priorities.

6. Celebrate Small Wins – Every time you finish a task, even a small one, celebrate it. This builds momentum and makes the bigger tasks feel less overwhelming.

7. Take Care of Your Mental Health – Stress can be reduced by ensuring you’re looking after your mind. Meditate, take breaks, and make sure you’re not overworking yourself.

By breaking your tasks into smaller pieces and managing them effectively, you’ll avoid feeling like it’s all too much. Would you like me to help you with a step-by-step plan for your tasks?