You're Not Lazy! A Practical Guide to Boosting Motivation

It seems like you have an ocean of plans, but your energy only lasts for the couch and your phone?

Irina Chudnovets, a psychologist and mother of three teenagers, explains why it’s not a matter of laziness, but of the tricks your brain plays—and how to learn to get around them.

You’ll learn how to turn the boring “I have to” into a real “I want to,” and allow yourself to rest without guilt.

Irina Chudnovets is a child and adolescent psychologist, a certified ICF coach, author of courses and articles, and mother of three teenagers.

Who is this book for?

First of all, for you. For a teenager who has plenty of ideas and goals, but not enough time or strength. For someone who wants to study for exams, do projects, and play sports—but every time finds a hundred reasons to put it off. For someone who dreams of getting everything done without getting off the couch and without putting the phone down. And you’ll understand that everything is fine with you!

Second, for parents. For those who rush, say “pull yourself together,” and honestly don’t understand why that doesn’t help. For those who want to support, but don’t yet know how—and often end up being just irritating. They too will find it important to learn: you’re not lazy—your brain just works more cleverly than people usually think.

In this book, you’ll learn:
• why your brain derails your plans and how to outsmart it;
• how to replace the dreary “I have to” with an inspiring “I want to”;
• what to do when everything starts to get on your nerves—and why that’s natural;
• how to rest without feeling guilty.

Yes, there are memes, comics, and challenges inside. But there are no lectures or tediousness—only what actually helps in practice: psychological techniques, exercises, and checklists.

What you consider your weakness may turn out to be your strength. You don’t need to “rebuild” yourself—just understand how your brain works, and then moving toward your goal will become much easier.