<p>If it doesn’t get easier, I don’t have any other solution. But I’m pretty sure that it will. I think of it like jump starting a car :D.</p>
<p>A contributing member of society</p>
<p>/own</p>
<p>Feenotype, I have had some firsthand experience with this problem. Just several months ago, I was diagnosed with major depression. The lack of energy and motivation, which I also suffered, is a very real and very disabling symptom. I, too, dismissed it as laziness at first, but after a year of oversleeping and nosediving grades, I realized I had to do something about it. My psychotherapist described it as feeling like “a ton of bricks” or “walking through cement.” If that sounds like you, and if it’s been going on for well over a month, I would suggest seeking assistance. If it’s serious, see a doctor or a mental health clinician and get an evaluation.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you think you can resolve it on your own, check out the book Feeling Good by David D. Burns. It has an entire chapter titled “Do-Nothingism: How to Beat It” and describes strategies on how to regain interest in everyday activities and defeat the thoughts that lead to procrastination. The strategies themselves are rather tedious – filling out worksheets, making schedules – and ultimately, it does call upon willpower, like the other posters have recommended. But it’s useful, and a clinically proven, drug-free treatment to boot.</p>
<p>Personally, I dislike the book (it was written in the '80s and the prose is somewhat outdated), but everyday life sure has gotten a lot more bearable since I’ve begun treatment.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I sincerely hope you don’t have depression!</p>
<p>strawberrybreeze - thank you for your post. I know exactly what you’re talking about with the “walking through cement” feeling – the feeling at times that you can’t even conjure up the ability to care about anything, let alone motivate yourself to do it.</p>