4 Igbo Techniques to Overcome Laziness
Laziness is something we’ve all encountered at some point—a lack of motivation to start tasks, stick to commitments, or pursue our goals with consistency. But within the wisdom of Igbo culture, there are powerful techniques that can help anyone overcome laziness, develop discipline, and find lasting purpose. If you are feeling stuck or need a spark to reignite your productivity, these four principles—Akaraka, Nwayo Nwayo, Nso, and Gba Mgbo—offer timeless guidance.
Let’s take a look at these techniques and how they can elevate not just your work habits but also your personal growth.
Four Igbo Principles to Overcome Laziness
1. Akaraka: Find Your Purpose in Life
There is a sense of purpose at the heart of every driven person—something that gives life meaning. In Igbo spirituality, Akaraka refers to your destiny, the unique calling that you were born to fulfill. When you discover your Akaraka, it fuels you to get up every day with energy and enthusiasm. It becomes your personal compass, giving you the reason to push through challenges.
Without a purpose, even small tasks can feel meaningless, leading to laziness and procrastination. To overcome this, ask yourself:
What truly excites me?
What am I passionate about building or creating?
How do I want to serve my community or honor my Chi?
Once you tap into your Akaraka, even the mundane parts of life become bearable because you know they are steps toward a greater purpose.
2. Nwayo Nwayo: Focus on Small Daily Improvements
We live in an age of instant gratification, where everyone wants results immediately. But the wisdom of Nwayo Nwayo teaches us to take things one step at a time. It means "slowly, slowly," reminding us that success comes from consistent small efforts over time.
Instead of overwhelming yourself by trying to do too much at once, focus on making minor improvements every day. This could be in form of 10 minutes of focused work, a single step toward a new skill, or honoring one small promise to yourself, these incremental gains add up.
This approach helps eliminate the paralysis that usually comes from feeling overwhelmed by large tasks. Progress, no matter how slow, builds momentum—and before you know it, laziness gives way to action.
3. Nso: Keep Your Personal Taboos and Promises
In Igbo spirituality, Nso refers to personal taboos—rules or sacred boundaries that you commit to for your well-being and spiritual balance. These are not just external cultural rules but internal promises you make to yourself. Keeping these promises strengthens your relationship with your Chi (higher self) and increases your energy.
Laziness can creep in when we repeatedly break promises to ourselves—it could be skipping that workout, delaying a project, or ignoring important tasks. Every time we fail to honor our commitments, we diminish our energy and confidence. But when you honor your word, you honor your Chi.
To apply this principle:
Write down a few key promises or goals for yourself.
Stick to them, no matter how small they are.
Celebrate each time you follow through—it boosts your energy and motivation.
Sticking to your Nso as a way of life can help cultivate discipline and integrity, which naturally combats laziness.
4. Gba Mgbo: Take Action Without Fear
Fear of failure or judgment can make us hesitant to start new tasks or projects. The Igbo concept of Gba Mgbo encourages us to push forward regardless—take action, even if it means being a beginner. This principle reminds us that every master was once a student and every great accomplishment began with a first step.
Laziness usually masks deeper fears: fear of starting, fear of imperfection, or fear of being seen as inexperienced. But Gba Mgbo tells us that the only way to mastery is through doing. Even if you make mistakes, taking action is what sets you apart.
Start where you are. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or for everything to align. This could be launching a business, learning a new skill, or simply getting out of bed to pursue your dreams—just do something that adds to the overall value of your purpose in life. It is the doers who become masters, and every action you take brings you closer to becoming the person you want to be.
Final Thoughts
We can all overcome laziness by aligning with powerful principles that guide our actions every day. Akaraka helps you find your unique purpose, Nwayo Nwayo teaches you patience through small steps, Nso strengthens your discipline by keeping promises to yourself, and Gba Mgbo encourages fearless action.
In a world filled with distractions and quick-fix schemes, the Igbo way offers a path that is rooted in personal integrity, patience, and meaningful effort. Success doesn’t come overnight, and true spiritual growth takes time. The richness of Odinani isn’t about material wealth or shortcuts—it's about becoming your best self, guided by ancient wisdom.
So the next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted by laziness, remember: find your purpose, take small steps, honor your promises, and take action. Your Chi is waiting for you to awaken to your fullest potential. Apply these four principles today and see how your life begins to shift! Yagazie!
