How to Get Things Done When You Don’t Want to Do Anything

Do you find yourself needing to accomplish certain tasks but aren't in the mood to start them? Do you know whether motivation or action needs to come first? I have some thoughts on the subject...

Hello and welcome to today’s Thursday’s Thought. Today, I’d like to discuss with you a topic that we all experience, sometimes more often than not, and that is "How to Get Things Done When You Don’t Want to Do Anything". I want to share with you some powerful strategies to overcome that feeling of inertia, that sense of being stuck when you don't want to do anything. As a certified life coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and clinical hypnotherapist, I've seen firsthand how these techniques can transform lives and help individuals break free from procrastination. So let's dive in.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that motivation often follows action, not the other way around. So instead of waiting for motivation to strike, take action first. Start with just five minutes. Commit to working on the task at hand for just five minutes. Often, once you get started, you'll find it much easier to keep going.

Next, let's talk about reframing. Our minds have a powerful tendency to focus on the negatives, the reasons why we don't want to do something. But what if we flipped the script? Instead of thinking about all the reasons why you don't want to do something, focus on the benefits of taking action. How will completing this task move you closer to your goals? How will it make you feel once it's done? By shifting your perspective in this way, you can tap into a new source of motivation.

Now, let's harness the power of neuro-linguistic programming, or NLP. Our language shapes our reality. So instead of saying, "I don't want to do anything," try reframing it into a more empowering statement like, "I choose to take action now." By using language that reinforces your agency and power of choice, you can shift your mindset and break free from paralysis.

Visualization is another powerful tool from the world of NLP and clinical hypnotherapy. Close your eyes and imagine yourself completing the task with ease and confidence. Visualize every detail: the sights, the sounds, the feelings of accomplishment. By vividly imagining success, you prime your mind for action and make it easier to overcome resistance.

Now, let's talk about setting yourself up for success. Create a conducive environment for productivity. Eliminate distractions, set clear goals, and establish a routine. By creating a space and a structure that supports your efforts, you set yourself up for success and make it easier to get things done, even when you don't feel like it.

Finally, accountability can be a game-changer. Find an accountability partner, someone who will hold you to your commitments and provide support along the way. Whether it's a friend, a colleague, or a coach, having someone to answer to can help keep you on track and motivated.

In concluding today’s Thursday’s Thought, getting things done when you don't want to do anything is possible. By taking small actions, reframing your thoughts, harnessing the power of visualization, setting yourself up for success, and enlisting the support of others, you can overcome procrastination and start moving towards your goals. Remember, it's not about waiting for motivation to strike, it's about taking action despite the lack of motivation. So go ahead, take that first step, and watch as momentum carries you forward.