The ‘too tired’ approach:

Whether it’s finding the inclination to start a new hobby, work off those excess pounds or put in a case for promotion, procrastinators are often ‘too tired’ and just never get round to it.

An alternative viewpoint: “Energy creates more energy,” says life and executive coach Rawan Albina. “Our bodies were made to move. Even if you think you don’t have it in you, if you push yourself you can do it. It’s important to take that first step.”

The ‘what’s the point?’ stance

Convictions that your efforts to better your life will simply be a waste of time are a common go-to standpoint for many. Some people really do seem to lack the ability to imagine a better life.

An alternative viewpoint: “As someone once said, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you always get what you’ve always got’,” says Rawan. “But no matter what you’ve tried before, you’ve probably not tried everything that you could do.”

The ‘victim’ mentality

Anyone convinced that they are cursed by bad luck and that the only things that happen to them are lousy are seldom likely to stretch themselves. Why bother?

An alternative viewpoint: “It’s really all in your mind,” says Rawan. “If you keep thinking that way, you’ll keep getting the same results. You need to understand that you really do have the power to change things, and that by shifting your mindset to more positive ideas, positive things will start to happen.”