There will be days when you don't feel like doing anything. The occasional lazy day is OK, but when they become a regular occurrence, something needs to shift within you. People achieve their goals by motivating or inspiring themselves to take action every day.

It's debatable if this is just chance of the draw or an acquired skill for those fortunate few. There is no doubt, however, that everyone can learn to be more productive.

Try the following strategies to encourage yourself and boost your chances of success:

1. Be more open to failure.

Perhaps you aren't being lazy. Perhaps you're putting things off because you're terrified of failing. Fear of failure will take the wind out of your sails and start you down the path of justifying excuses for doing nothing at all. Accept failure as a natural part of life.

2. Keep in mind that life is short.

Life is brief, but it is long enough if you don't waste it. You may accomplish a lot between now and the end of your life if you value your time and make the most of it. It's all too easy to postpone things till tomorrow, but there are only so many tomorrows.

3. Think about the long-term cost.

What is the cost of delaying or failing to seize the opportunity before you? It's easy to imagine the pleasure of reclining on the couch for another day. It's not as easy to imagine what being lazy will entail a year or more from now.

4. Consider the advantages of completing a task.

What will you get by going to the gym every day for a year? What will happen if you do not attend? What are the benefits of taking action right now? Instead of focusing on the short-term pleasure of being lazy, concentrate on that.

5. Ask yourself what you could accomplish today.

What could you accomplish today? How would you feel about yourself and your day if you achieved a few significant tasks? Make a list of things you want to accomplish and then stick to it.

6. Make use of a timer.

Spending four hours cleaning out the attic isn't really appealing, but seeing how much you can get done in 15 minutes is. A timer will provide you with a defined endpoint and will help you focus your attention. After the first round, you may chose to reset the timer and try again.

7. Establish objectives.

Having a few short-term and long-term goals will help you to stay motivated. It's not easy to go to the gym merely for the sake of going to the gym. Going to the gym is simpler if you have a goal of losing five pounds this month, 50 pounds this year, or looking terrific for your high school reunion.

8. Motivate yourself with music, books, quotes, or movies.

Perhaps you have a favorite movie scene or song that inspires you. It could be a favorite quote for someone else. YouTube is brimming with inspiring videos that just take a few minutes to watch. Begin and conclude each day with something that motivates you to take action.

The ability to get things done on a constant basis distinguishes successful people from others. It's critical to know how to motivate yourself every day. Make the most of each day and avoid wasting time. Because life is short, make the most of it. There is nothing to be gained by being lazy.