In times of struggle and demotivation, it can be challenging to get up and do what you need to, especially without clear goals. Sometimes, we need motivation and reminders to understand the consequences of our actions. If only we see the positive outcomes of starting certain tasks, then certainly we will get up and take immediate action.
Here are some sayings that could give you motivations to reflect on why you should complete certain tasks:
Make wise use of time
Time has always been valuable. People who waste their time doing unnecessary things that do not benefit them will often find themselves facing consequences. It will only pass, and it cannot be taken away with anything, not even money. If you recognize the importance of time, you will not be delaying your time to do certain tasks.
“By the ˹passage of˺ time! Surely humanity is in ˹grave˺ loss, except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance.”
[Al-Asr, Ayah 1-3]
Only you can change yourself
Laziness is an act that will prevent you from completing tasks successfully. To get out of it, other people could only give you advice and support. However, the power to change and take the needed actions is within you. Hence, make use of it so that you do not remain in the same position that does not benefit you.
“Indeed, Allah would never change a people’s state ˹of favour˺ until they change their own state ˹of faith˺.”
[Surah Ar-Ra’d, Ayah 11]
The dangers of procrastination
Delaying what should have been done is an act procrastination. Ask yourself why procrastination happens. If the task is mundane, find ways to make it fun. If the tasks seem to take too much energy to do in one sitting, break them into smaller tasks. Also, if you don’t know how to do it, get help from people and other useful sources, be it online or physical.
“Beware of procrastination for verily it is the sea in which losers drown.”
[Imam al-Baqir (a.s.)]
Believe in your ability
Allah will never put a burden on humans if they cannot afford it. Thus, don’t let yourself down by thinking that you cannot do it. It will only stop you from making a move. While believing may require rewiring your brain and improving your self-esteem, listing down what you are good at and reading it back will do the trick. Affirming your strengths will cause your brain to believe that they are true.
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.”
[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286]
Not repeating the same mistake
If you find it hard to complete tasks, reflect on what will happen if you don’t. Not starting or completing the task that should have been done will only produce regret. For things to turn out better than they are, significant efforts to not repeat the same mistake are needed to make improvements. Having goals in mind, especially the non-negotiable ones, will help you even better at motivating you to get the work done.
Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The believer should not be stung from the same hole twice.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 6133]
Conclusions
The Quran and Hadith provide valuable guidance and motivation to help us overcome procrastination and get things done. By reflecting on the importance of time, the power of personal change, the dangers of procrastination, our own abilities, and learning from past mistakes, we can find the inspiration and determination to tackle tasks head-on. Remember, Allah has given us the capacity to achieve what we set our minds to, and by aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, we can find success in this life and the hereafter. So let these sayings be a constant reminder to make the most of our time, believe in ourselves, and strive for excellence in all that we do.
