Where do we begin? That’s always the first question I ask myself when starting a task I’ve been putting off. I’m like the average person who struggles to get things done. It’s so much easier to pull out your phone and doom scroll or turn on the TV and watch Netflix while your to-do list gets pushed to the back burner.
Things like taking out the trash, washing dishes, doing laundry, or even editing a podcast episode start to pile up. But there is an answer to this problem. My mom didn’t raise a fool—she gave me a step-by-step plan for dealing with laziness the old-fashioned Mexican way. And let me tell you, it works every time.
So, if you’re tired of putting things off and want to stick to a routine, keep reading. I’ve got the trick right here.
Let’s start with a little backstory. My mother may have been the cleanest “hoarder” I’ve ever met. Don’t get me wrong—she kept everything anyone ever gave her and more—but somehow found a way to organize it all. She cleaned houses for a living and still managed to come home, cook, clean, and take care of me and my siblings after a long day.
She never directly told me the first step, but I noticed it every day when she got home.
Step 1: Make a To-Do List
Write down everything you want to accomplish today. Don’t go overboard—just include what you can realistically complete in one day. This list is your game plan, so make it achievable. You can’t throw in things like painting the entire house or replacing flooring in a spare bedroom.
Your to-do list should guide your day. Some people, like my mom, prefer pen and paper, and if that works for you, go for it. Personally, I use the Notes app on my phone and write things down the same way I write these blogs. You can also use a journal if you want to track your daily progress.
Step 2: Start Small
Once you’ve written your list, you might still feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. My mom had a trick for that too—start with the smallest, easiest task.
It’s funny how the brain works. The moment you complete that first simple task, your brain rewards you with motivation. That small win builds momentum. Suddenly, you feel energized and ready to tackle more.
Each time you cross something off your list, your motivation grows. By the time you reach the hardest task—the one you’ve been avoiding—you’re already in motion. You’ve built enough momentum to power through it and finish strong.
Just like that, in two steps, you’ve completed your day’s list.
But that’s only one day.
You look around and realize you’ve barely scratched the surface. Don’t lose hope—my mom never did.
Step 3: Prevent the Preventable
We all wake up, get out of bed, eat breakfast, create laundry, and throw away trash. But we also have the power to prevent these everyday things from getting out of control.
Every morning, my mom made her bed. No matter how long her day was, she stayed disciplined. There’s something powerful about someone who works all day, comes home to handle more responsibilities, and still starts the next day with intention.
It took me years to fully understand this step. Then I read Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven. It’s a short read, and I highly recommend it. One line reminded me of my mom:
“And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”
There’s something comforting about coming home to order after a chaotic day. But that feeling comes from taking action earlier—preventing things from getting out of hand.
When you make your bed first thing in the morning, you’ve already completed one task. From there, it continues: put your laundry away, wash your breakfast dishes, take out the trash before work. These small habits prevent bigger problems.
Without maintenance, everything piles up. Beds turn into tangled messes, laundry becomes mountains, dishes overflow, and trash builds up. But by staying consistent, you stop the chaos before it starts.
Combine this with a daily to-do list, and over time, you’ll notice something: your list gets smaller. Tasks become routine. Life becomes more manageable.
I remember moments when my mom would come home, finish everything on her list, sit down, and smile as she watched her favorite novela. The dishes were done, laundry was folded, kids were fed, and the house was clean.
That smile taught me something important: we work hard so we can truly enjoy our rest. The best time to be lazy is when everything is done.
I want to take a moment to thank my mom for her hard work, dedication, and discipline. She made me the man I am today.
I love you, Mom.
—Joel Jimenez