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Breaking Out of Good Habits: Lessons in Discipline and Overcoming Laziness

November 10, 2024

October was one of the busiest months of my life. It felt like every day brought something new — a wedding, a birthday, a night out with friends, or just a late night binge-watching The Lincoln Lawyer with my wife. These activities weren't bad! But the packed schedule broke the routines that had been helping me feel my best. Those later nights led to later mornings, which stole my favorite part of the day — my true alone time. My time with the LORD was cut short, replaced by my desire for extra sleep. This was not the right decision, but it is the decision that I had been making. However, it got me thinking: Are we, as humans, naturally lazy?

Are We Wired to Be Lazy?

In short, yes. Based on a quick Google search and published article, our biology often nudges us toward the path of least resistance, conserving energy wherever possible. So, when given the option to hit snooze instead of heading to the gym, it's natural for us to choose sleep. I realized I had fallen into some comfortable choices, allowing myself to skip the hard decisions that kept me disciplined and motivated.

This reflection pushed me to examine the habits that helped me feel and perform at my best. Here are some of the actions I was consistent with when I was functioning at my highest capacity:

  • In bed by 9:30, out by 4:45 — no snooze.
  • No social media before personal tasks or time with God.
  • Completing one tedious task early.
  • Journaling my prayers.
  • Focusing on personal projects that mattered to me, not just my job.
  • Getting to the gym.
  • Walking my dog (solo or with my wife).

These routines built me up, and when I was consistent, I felt incredible. But despite how great it felt, I found myself slowly sliding back into the "just chill" mode. Hard decisions became even harder, and I gave in to the easy path. Luckily, I've grown enough to recognize when I'm slipping and start course-correcting. I began asking myself, "What can I do to avoid the temptation to be lazy?"

Strategies to Overcome Laziness and Rebuild Discipline

Here's what I'm implementing now to get back on track:

  • Bricking my phone: I use a Brick device to turn my smartphone into a basic flip phone before bed. This way, I wake up without the urge to check my phone first thing.
  • Early to bed: Honestly, this is a "just do it" situation. Going to bed earlier makes saying “just do it” to waking up easier.
  • Focusing on big-picture goals: When I remind myself of the goals I'm working toward, it gets easier to push through the hard moments.

Ultimately, a lot of this comes down to telling myself, “Stephen — stop being lazy and just work harder.” That's the point: We may be inherently lazy, but we can overcome that with action. It's not easy, but it's worth it. I'm far from perfect, but I'm working on it — and I hope you are too.

How do you combat your own natural laziness? Let me know! Reach out on Instagram, X, or send me an email at phendoesstuff@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading. Love y'al!

Have a PHENomenal day, and Never Stop Peaking!