How to overcome laziness?

ThisTimeWorks

Okay, I asked questions before about support and motivation. Nothing seems to stick because im ridiculously LAZYYYY!!! Lazy to LIVE my life like a 20 year old, I will rather eat something and watch TV...And it's not that I even eat junk food or something, it's that I overeat, but now not about it. My life is passing past me and I just sit here like "merp, oh well". No...I do get motivated, I just GIVE UP to easy...and well I'm LAZYYY!!! Dictionaries should link my name when someone is searching for the definition of lazy...

How to overcome it? Any ideas what to change?

Taterpoof

I'd say the first two weeks you really have to push yourself. Make yourself exercise and eat right. Once you make it past those two weeks it starts to become a routine and is much easier to stay motivated. Once you start seeing changes you will be happy that you started. I hated those first couple weeks, but now I LOVE going to the gym. There's a quote that says something like, "Time will pass regardless, so why not make changes now." (I know that's not exactly how it goes)

I hope this helps a little. Also a trick I use is that every morning when I wake up, I check out the success stories section. Keeps me inspired

If all else fails......Caffeine

ThisTimeWorks

I'd say the first two weeks you really have to push yourself. Make yourself exercise and eat right. Once you make it past those two weeks it starts to become a routine and is much easier to stay motivated. Once you start seeing changes you will be happy that you started. I hated those first couple weeks, but now I LOVE going to the gym. There's a quote that says something like, "Time will pass regardless, so why not make changes now." (I know that's not exactly how it goes)

I hope this helps a little. Also a trick I use is that every morning when I wake up, I check out the success stories section. Keeps me inspired

If all else fails......Caffeine

Thank you. It is the difficult part, the STICKING WITH IT. I will keep trying
Oh caffeine if only it didn't hurt my heart.

StripedSmoker

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

Taterpoof

I'd say the first two weeks you really have to push yourself. Make yourself exercise and eat right. Once you make it past those two weeks it starts to become a routine and is much easier to stay motivated. Once you start seeing changes you will be happy that you started. I hated those first couple weeks, but now I LOVE going to the gym. There's a quote that says something like, "Time will pass regardless, so why not make changes now." (I know that's not exactly how it goes)

I hope this helps a little. Also a trick I use is that every morning when I wake up, I check out the success stories section. Keeps me inspired

If all else fails......Caffeine

Thank you. It is the difficult part, the STICKING WITH IT. I will keep trying
Oh caffeine if only it didn't hurt my heart.

Yeah sticking with it is definitely tough, I think it's hard in the beginning because you want so badly to see results right away. It isn't until you start to see physical changes that this lifestyle change becomes exciting and addicting.

blueboxgeek

You just kinda have to do it. Just push yourself, really no one can convince you to get up and exercise, you have to want to do it yourself.

For me, I have two kids and I know if I don't lose weight and exercise to get healthy then I put myself at a higher risk of so many illnesses and I would never want my kids to be without their mammy.

Try maybe doing something that isn't just running or swimming, try a class like zumba or something fun. Any friends you can talk in to doing something like squash, badminton or tennis? If you are meeting someone and have plans to do it, then you are more likely to go.

ThisTimeWorks

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

Hmm, interesting Danke!

Taterpoof

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

Exactly! Eventually you will feel like you need to work out. It becomes part of your life, just like sitting on the couch and watching TV used to be.

ThisTimeWorks

You just kinda have to do it. Just push yourself, really no one can convince you to get up and exercise, you have to want to do it yourself.

For me, I have two kids and I know if I don't lose weight and exercise to get healthy then I put myself at a higher risk of so many illnesses and I would never want my kids to be without their mammy.

Try maybe doing something that isn't just running or swimming, try a class like zumba or something fun. Any friends you can talk in to doing something like squash, badminton or tennis? If you are meeting someone and have plans to do it, then you are more likely to go.

I really to hate stating "excuses" but I can't do anything extra. Weekdays I go to college really early in the morning, then I babysit and sleep. So the only exercise I can do is elliptical. It's the whole laziness thing..."oh gosh, elliptical, noooooo"

ThisTimeWorks

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

Exactly! Eventually you will feel like you need to work out. It becomes part of your life, just like sitting on the couch and watching TV used to be.

I've did a challenge of 33 days of everyday, pretty much, doing elliptical. I thought I would crave it if I stop...well I stopped, and haven't got back since then.

Taterpoof

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

Exactly! Eventually you will feel like you need to work out. It becomes part of your life, just like sitting on the couch and watching TV used to be.

I've did a challenge of 33 days of everyday, pretty much, doing elliptical. I thought I would crave it if I stop...well I stopped, and haven't got back since then.

Cardio/Machines never gave me that craving. It was running outside, weight training, and sports that made me love exercise.

hedgiie

perhaps there could be some reason, say you might have love problems? stressed at school, work or relationship? financial problem? there could be many reasons which doesn't seems to be directly co-related.

ThisTimeWorks

perhaps there could be some reason, say you might have love problems? stressed at school, work or relationship? financial problem? there could be many reasons which doesn't seems to be directly co-related.

Nope nothing on that level. Other than I don't know what I want to do with my life, and I've been thinking for years already...but it's life, nothing I can do.

michellemybelll

stop being lazy. get up and do something. nobody can make you do anything but yourself. apparently you don't want it enough, or you'd get up off your butt and start doing something. you say you have no time, so make time. I get up at 3am to give myself time to workout in the morning before work. if you really want it, you make your own time.

Panda_Rolls

The Germans have the best words, one of my favorites is kummerspeck. It translates to "grief bacon" and is a term for emotional overeating. Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I think if you find something you like doing that is active that will help. I was super lazy before I started doing roller derby, but now I love it and I want to kick butt so I go to every training session I can and I run and such on my off days. You mentioned that you go to school and then babysit, can you work out while you babysit? I have the sworkit app on my phone, you can specify how long you want to work out and what areas and you don't need any equipment, it even links to your MFP account! There is no reason you should feel chained to the elliptical.

jazi719

stop being lazy. get up and do something. nobody can make you do anything but yourself. apparently you don't want it enough, or you'd get up off your butt and start doing something. you say you have no time, so make time. I get up at 3am to give myself time to workout in the morning before work. if you really want it, you make your own time.

Well said. You have to want it bad enough.

ThisTimeWorks

I just did 40 minutes on elliptical

The thing is that I do want it but probably not bad enough to overcome my laziness. I am trying to beat it, it's like I get on elliptical and I go...after about 10 minutes, but once I get off I don't want to do anything else.

happysherri

No one can make you do something. Like above states, you have to put in the work to get the results. I hardly ever feel like working out, especially on the weekends just want to lay in my pjs. However, I like the way my body looks and I know what has happened before when I "fell of the wagon" and ate whatever and didn't do anything. I felt awful and looked it.

Also, I agree that once you start you become almost addicted and don't want to miss a day.

Maybe try and find something you enjoy, try new things and mix it up. Boredom does suck, try new things!

FitCanuckChick

In terms of incorporating exercise I think the key is making it a routine if you are having a tough time sticking with it. Mine is before work weekdays except for after work one day a week. And then 7:30 on weekends.

I read this quote (or a variation of it) on MFP last week. Getting fit is hard; being unfit is hard - pick your hard.

I have been running that through my head every time I am having a tough time. I love that!

laursoar

Take things slowly too. Don't make goals to exercise like 5 or 6 times a week if you have a hard time going at all. Your diet's the most important factor to keep in check if you're trying to control weight. I would suggest you work on establishing those habits like portion control and calorie counting first and maybe exercising once or twice a week. Plus, make small changes like taking the stairs more or walking a little bit out of the way more frequently. Movement that doesn't feel like exercise helps as well. With time, you slowly can up your exercise. If you overload yourself with too many new habits at once, it feels a lot more overwhelming and becomes harder to stick with the changes.

Ben_Avery

Set goals.Regardless of how small they are, once you hit a milestone you are motivated to keep on going. After a while the laziness habit makes way for a fitness habit.

Avoid negative people. I only surround myself with positive, motivated people. The habit wears off.

Ignore people who say "Just do it". A stupid Nike slogan with no motivational value.

Keep on challenging yourself. Whether the challenge is phyiscal or mental, it all helps to keeping your mind and body in an active state.

Good Luck.

ThisTimeWorks

Thank you all for helpful comments.

I do a lot of planning in the head but when it comes to doing it's always "psh, no..not today, not right now".

I guess the only way to overcome laziness is to push through it no matter what.

ErinMLB

I am also lazy, I exercise while watching TV, commercial breaks = great time to exercise. I am also goal oriented, and need to have some sort of challenge for myself, there's not real reward for me other than completing them, but keeps me motivated. For instance I've jut started to do 30 minutes of working out for 30 days (with a small allowance of days for when I'm REALLY not feeling it)

lilRicki

I am also lazy...my fiance told me I'm going against nature when I exercise because I'm built to make babies and sit on the couch (he was just kidding)...it's a mental thing, and finding something you like to do. I have a dress that I HAVE to fit into in August. I taped it up everywhere around my house. I also go to aquafit 2 times a week and force myself to walk to dog before I sit on the couch after supper. It's little mental habits.

ThisTimeWorks

I am also lazy, I exercise while watching TV, commercial breaks = great time to exercise. I am also goal oriented, and need to have some sort of challenge for myself, there's not real reward for me other than completing them, but keeps me motivated. For instance I've jut started to do 30 minutes of working out for 30 days (with a small allowance of days for when I'm REALLY not feeling it)

See, I did 33 day of same thing as you...I stuck through 33 days, then stopped, and never got back..well today I did, a month later...I don't get used to exercises even if I do for awhile.

ninerbuff

Okay, I asked questions before about support and motivation. Nothing seems to stick because im ridiculously LAZYYYY!!! Lazy to LIVE my life like a 20 year old, I will rather eat something and watch TV...And it's not that I even eat junk food or something, it's that I overeat, but now not about it. My life is passing past me and I just sit here like "merp, oh well". No...I do get motivated, I just GIVE UP to easy...and well I'm LAZYYY!!! Dictionaries should link my name when someone is searching for the definition of lazy...

How to overcome it? Any ideas what to change?

Maybe a heart attack or health issue will help. Till then, it's more about your desire and commitment. Till you REALLY want it, you aren't going to get anywhere.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

ldrosophila

I support physics I'm an object that enjoys being at rest unless acted upon. If you are a natural laze, like I am myself, then the only thing that works is yelling at yourself to get off your lazy butt. Promise if you do this activity for a certain period of time then there will be glorious couch time soon to come. Complete that goal and bask in the after glow and enjoy the pure laziness. Thats all that works for me.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

Im German there's a word for what is holding you back: Der innere Schweinehund! Directly translated that means "The inner pig-dog". The word comes from dogs that were used in hunting, they wouldn't let go of the pig, holding it in place... Well, the pig-dog is holding you in place. There's an easier, more common word for it, though: habit. Getting rid of bad habits is hard because the brain is programmed to follow them, you programmed it yourself to do that. But that also means that you can teach your brain new habits, healthier ones. I used to be a couch potato and watch series all day, because I wanted to lose some weight I made it into a habit to take my little weights and walk in place while watching. At first it suuuuucked but after a week I could hardly watch anything without doing that! New habits are easily aquired, old ones are hard to get rid of... but overwriting them is quite possible

"The inner pig-dog"????!!!!?????

I LOVE IT! Thanks for posting this...I'll kept this "inner pig dog" and your post (about habits) in my heart and mind.:smooched:

OP, I'm lazy too...that is one of the main reasons I'm outta shape/fat. I also LOVE what someone posted

How to overcome it? Any ideas what to change?

Put yourself in a position where you don't really have a choice.

Like, join the Army.

I'm NOT going to join the Army, but I really LOVE the idea of thinking about being diligent and committed to exercising and eating healthy as "don't really have a choice". I've never thought about it that way and somehow that's inspirational and encouraging to/for me. I think also it will help us to stop seeing ourselves as lazy too--that's HARD for me, because I love to be honest--but maybe my being lazy has a lot to do with the way I think about myself too.

funforsports

Try joining a sport or take up an activity that is physically demanding such as rock climbing, cycling, running, ice skating, volleyball, softball....Anything you will enjoy and it gets you off the couch. That is a great way to start at least.

Mr_Knight

How to overcome it? Any ideas what to change?

Put yourself in a position where you don't really have a choice.

Like, join the Army.

TigerBite

Find something that YOU consider fun ... Do you like to dance?