Antonyms for the phrase "apply oneself to" could be "distract oneself from," "avoid," "neglect," or "disregard." When someone chooses not to apply themselves to a task, they may find themselves procrastinating, daydreaming, or engaging in unrelated activities. Avoidance may lead to missed opportunities and incomplete projects. Neglecting a task may result in it being forgotten or left incomplete. Sometimes, distractions can even hinder progress into achieving goals, leading to frustration and a lack of direction. In contrast, when someone applies themselves to a task, they focus their attention and effort on achieving their goals, leading to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.