Procrastination is something we all struggle with. Despite being aware of the outcome of not working hard or studying hard, we all lag behind due to laziness and lack of motivation. So, here are five useful ways you can motivate yourself and remind yourself to work harder, whether in your workplace, in your study, in losing weight or as simple as in self-growth.

Posters on the desk wall

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If you own a desk, then this becomes easier and much effective, otherwise just pick a wall on your living or bedroom where you spend maximum time. Print out A4 size papers where you have written down quotes or one-liners like “Study hard, “Do not waste time”, “Work harder”, “Now is the time”, “Be the best of yourself”, “Push Yourself”, etc. You could even Google quotes and then print the ones that give you inspiration and hang them in your preferred wall. Your wall will look super chic and they are great reminders to work hard.

A planogram in pen and paper

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A planogram is basically a plan of a week or every day, jot down in sections of what you plan to do or achieve. You can buy a lot of these planogram boards from stores that come in funky designs or make one yourself where you write down the goals you have to achieve or the to-do(s) you have to do in that week or month. This way it does not overload your head with too many things to do or achieve as you can go week by week.  The planogram can go on your fridge or any wall where you will come across it the most. It is basically like a checklist to work harder.

Motivational music

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We all love listening to music but have you ever considered listening to particular songs to gain inspiration to work harder? May be but that has only lasted for the temporary moment right? Here is what you should do to gain motivation from music. Firstly pick the songs that drive you, pump your energy up and give you positivity. Pick at least ten to fifteen songs so you do not get bored of listening to just a couple. Make a regular morning routine of waking up and  listening to these songs. It can be on your way in the car or at home when you are making breakfast. However, the most useful time to listen to these inspirational songs are when you are working out or jogging in the morning. As we know our minds are fresh and vibrant in the morning and anything we grasp during this time stays with us for good.

Commit to a minimum of eight-hour sleep at night

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A lot of our mental health depends on our sleep pattern. Not only is the right amount of sleep necessary to be healthy and happy but also the time of the sleep. A lot of us assume that being up at night and sleeping during the day is a balance too but truth is, it is not the same. To have a healthy mind and body, sleeping at night is very important. A proper seven to eight hour sleep keeps our mind and body fresh and healthy. Proper sleep gives us energy and vibrancy to work harder. It builds up a positive and enthusiastic mentality on the whole. It does work as a great source of motivation.

Instill fear in yourself

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I think this works the most when it comes to motivating oneself. In simple terms, you have to remind yourself what might go wrong if you do not work harder. Make a note on a computer file or a piece of paper, about all the negative outcomes that will occur if you do not work harder and achieve your goals. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, be practical and logical when jotting down these points. Save this file somewhere on your desktop or if it is a paper may be on your dressing drawer. Basically somewhere you will find it often and will have to go through. This fear does help keeping us at our toes and prevents a lot of the procrastination trust me.

Reward Yourself

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If you are following your planogram then, decide rewards for yourself every week that you will win if you achieve your set goals. If losing weight is what you are working at, then after a week of losing your target kilos, reward yourself with a cupcake. On the other hand, if you have successfully finished the first two chapters of your book, then decide to reward yourself with a day out with friends. Rewarding yourself with small things will motivate you a lot because you will have something to look forward to.