How can you motivate yourself to not be lazy?

Answer 1

Motivation generally involves a decisional balance, where the possible change (eg going for a walk each day) must be seen as more rewarding than the usual behaviour (eg sitting on the couch).

Generally speaking, and individual becomes more motivated when their usual behavioral choices stop achieving their aims. For example, if my mother gives me money regardless of what I do, then my motivation to do chores will be less, However, if my mother makes the money conditional on doing the chores and there is no other way to earn the money, I must make a decision: Is getting the money worth doing the chores or not?

The psychological therapy related to motivation (especially as applied to substance use) is Motivational Interviewing.

A simple way to look at motivation is through Learning Theory.

An even simpler way is to imagine you are a donkey. You can be motivated using either a carrot or a stick. Usually, the carrot is more effective. So, if you wnat to get motivated to do something, make it worth your while and you will do it.