The Lazy Person ’s Guide to Getting Things Done

Let’s be real for a second: productivity advice can feel… exhausting. “Wake up at 5 a.m.” “Journal every morning.” “Follow the 17-step bullet journal method that requires an art degree.” Seriously? If you’re anything like me—a self-proclaimed lazy person—you’ve probably looked at these guides and thought, Nope, not for me.

But here’s the thing: being “lazy” doesn’t mean you can’t achieve things. In fact, I’d argue it’s a superpower. Lazy people are experts at finding shortcuts, simplifying processes, and cutting through unnecessary fluff to get things done with the least amount of effort. So, if you’re tired of feeling like productivity is only for the overachievers, this guide is for you.

Welcome to the lazy person’s guide to getting things done—no early mornings, no overwhelming to-do lists, and definitely no guilt.

Step 1: Embrace Your Laziness

First things first—stop beating yourself up for being “lazy.” Society loves to glorify hustle culture, but the truth is, not everyone thrives on nonstop action. Laziness isn’t inherently bad; it’s just a different way of approaching life. Think of it as your brain’s way of saying, Hey, let’s find an easier way to do this.

Instead of fighting against it, embrace it. Accept that you’re not the type to spend hours meticulously planning every detail. And that’s okay. Your laziness can actually be a tool for innovation. Some of the world’s greatest inventions (looking at you, remote control) were created by people who just didn’t want to do extra work.

Step 2: Start With the Easiest Thing

You know that feeling when your to-do list is so long you don’t even know where to start? Classic paralysis by analysis. The lazy solution? Start with the easiest task.

Seriously, pick the one thing that feels so ridiculously simple you could do it half-asleep. Fold one shirt. Reply to one email. Write one sentence. Once you’ve started, momentum kicks in. Suddenly, you’re thinking, Hey, that wasn’t so bad—what’s next?

It’s like tricking your brain into action. And if you stop after just that one thing? Guess what—you still did something, and that’s better than nothing.

Step 3: Use the Two-Minute Rule

This one’s a lifesaver for lazy folks. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Don’t overthink it. Don’t procrastinate. Just get it done and move on.

Here’s the beauty of this rule: it clears mental clutter. You’ll feel so much lighter once those tiny, nagging tasks—like putting your coffee mug in the sink or sending that quick “yes” text—are out of the way. And guess what? You just accomplished like five things in under ten minutes. Go you.

Step 4: Outsource Like a Pro

Let’s face it: lazy people are masters at delegation. Why spend hours doing something you hate when someone else can do it faster, better, and (sometimes) for a small fee?

If you can afford it, invest in tools or services that simplify your life. Grocery delivery apps, automated bill payments, or even hiring someone to clean your house once a month can save you hours of time and energy. Think of it as reclaiming your laziness for more important things—like binge-watching your favorite show guilt-free.

And if money’s tight? Trade tasks with a friend. You bake cookies, they mow your lawn. Win-win.

Step 5: Batch Your Tasks

Multitasking is overrated. It’s exhausting, inefficient, and honestly, kind of chaotic. The lazy alternative? Task batching.

Here’s how it works: group similar tasks together and knock them out in one go. Need to answer emails? Set aside 30 minutes to tackle them all at once. Have errands to run? Plan a route that hits every stop without doubling back.

It’s like meal-prepping for your to-do list. And once it’s done, you can kick back and relax, knowing you’ve checked off an entire category of tasks.

Step 6: Master the Art of Saying No

Listen, one of the laziest—and most powerful—things you can do is protect your time. Stop saying “yes” to things you don’t actually want to do. It’s okay to disappoint people sometimes. You’re not a machine.

Practice polite but firm ways to decline, like:

• “I’d love to help, but I’m swamped right now.”

• “I’m focusing on other priorities, so I’ll have to pass.”

• “Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t commit to that.”

Every “no” is a “yes” to something that matters more—like finally getting around to that one thing you’ve been avoiding for weeks.

Step 7: Use Technology to Your Advantage

Lazy people thrive on convenience, and technology is your best friend. There are apps for literally everything—organizing your tasks, automating reminders, tracking your habits. Use them.

Some lazy-friendly tools include:

• Todoist: For simple, no-fuss task management.

• Notion: If you’re feeling slightly ambitious and want everything in one place.

• Google Calendar: Because, honestly, who remembers deadlines without it?

• Zapier: Automates repetitive tasks between your apps.

Pro tip: Set notifications for the absolute last possible moment to act. That way, you’re not stressing over a deadline weeks in advance—classic lazy move.

Step 8: Reward Yourself (Frequently)

Lazy people love rewards. It’s basically what motivates us to do anything, right? So use that to your advantage.

Set small, achievable goals and promise yourself a treat when you complete them. Finished writing that dreaded report? Treat yourself to an overpriced latte. Finally cleaned your desk? Time for a Netflix break.

Rewards create positive reinforcement, which makes you more likely to tackle the next task. Plus, it feels so good to know you’ve earned that downtime.

Step 9: Prioritize Like Your Life Depends on It

Here’s the harsh truth: you can’t do everything. But you can do the things that matter most. Lazy people are excellent at this because we naturally avoid unnecessary effort.

At the start of each day (or week, if you’re feeling ambitious), pick 1–3 top priorities. These are the things that, if completed, will make you feel accomplished. Focus on those and let the rest slide. You’ll be surprised how much you can achieve when you narrow your focus.

Step 10: Rest Without Guilt

This might sound counterintuitive, but rest is productive. If you’re constantly burned out, you’re not going to get anything done—lazy or not. So take breaks. Nap if you need to. Stare at the ceiling for 20 minutes. Let your mind wander.

Rest isn’t laziness; it’s recharging. And when you’ve recharged, you’ll be able to tackle your tasks with way more energy and efficiency. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.

Step 11: Watch This Video for Extra Tips! 🎥

Sometimes, reading about productivity isn't enough—you need a little visual inspiration. That’s why I created a video that dives even deeper into the lazy person’s approach to getting things done. In it, I share personal anecdotes, step-by-step strategies, and a whole lot of real talk about how to make laziness work for you.

👉 Watch the video here: “Why You Are Not Lazy: A Psychologist Explains”

Take a few minutes (or, you know, watch it while lounging on your couch) and see how these tips can fit into your own life. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you find it helpful—because honestly, who doesn’t love a little lazy-friendly motivation?

Final Thoughts: Laziness Isn’t the Enemy

At the end of the day, being lazy doesn’t mean you’re incapable or unmotivated. It just means you value efficiency and simplicity. The lazy person’s guide to getting things done isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about finding smarter, less exhausting ways to achieve your goals.

So embrace your inner laziness. Start small, prioritize what matters, and let go of the guilt. You’ve got this.

Now, go check off that first task. Or… maybe after one more scroll through your feed. No judgment.