The definition of laziness is subjective. It tends to include a lack of motivation, unwillingness to work, low energy, lethargy, etc. However, the exact meaning depends on who’s saying it. Culture, society, and personal experiences can affect how a person views this trait. Because of this subjectivity, some psychologists believe laziness is not a real personality trait, but a label for people who fail to meet certain expectations.
Overall, it’s hard to study a concept that’s defined by a lack of something. Therefore, laziness is not a diagnosis; it may just be a symptom of another issue. In any event, most people dislike laziness, in themselves and others, so avoid its distinguishing behaviors.
Procrastination
“Procrastination is the voluntary delay of an intended act despite expecting to be worse off,” says researcher and author Tim Pychyl, PhD. However, if a person decides against an action, that is not procrastination. “We all delay things, but procrastination is a unique form of delay that is self-defeating and has no inherent upside,” says Dr. Psychyl to Everyday Health.
Avoiding responsibilities
A person feeling lazy may not only procrastinate but try to avoid responsibilities entirely. Most people balk at difficult or overwhelming tasks, but push themselves to do them anyway. Meanwhile, a lazy person would deem them too difficult and try to avoid it as much as they can. This avoidant behavior can lead to a reduced quality of life..
Reluctance to help others
Laziness can negatively impact others. People may sympathize and pity those in difficult situations while being reluctant to do anything about it. They won’t volunteer to cover the shift of a sick coworker, or help a friend move. Alternatively, they might complain about doing nice things, such as giving people rides, because they couldn’t say no.
Lack of initiative
People struggling with laziness may try to do the bare minimum when they are asked to do things. And if they aren’t asked, they will not offer. They lack ambition in that area, and may be content to sit passively while others succeed. They may be resistant to change because it’s easier to maintain the status quo.
Lack of routines
Consistent routine involves willpower to do things you don’t feel like because it’ll be good in the long-term. Lazy people may try to create routines but give up once they don’t feel like it anymore. Bear in mind, people often create unattainable goals and overestimate what they could accomplish in a day. In that case, it’s not about laziness but impracticality.
Poor time management skills
Because they do things at the last minute and are easily distracted, people with laziness tend to struggle with time management. Although many people are occasionally late and disorganized, lazy individuals are comfortable in these habits and don’t put effort into increasing their productivity.
The opposite of laziness
“When I think of the opposite of laziness, I picture someone who is hardworking and full of energy,” Beth Birenbaum, MPH, writes in a post for the Berkeley Well-Being Institute. This can look like someone who is proactive, motivated, and responsible. But these traits aren’t determined by a person’s DNA. Even people prone to laziness can overcome it with enough perseverance and patience.
8 tips for overcoming laziness
- Set specific and achievable goals you can complete in the short-term and long-term.
- Find goals that give you a sense of purpose and motivation.
- Create a well-structured routine that incorporates work, leisure, and rest.
- Take small steps since “Large tasks can be overwhelming and make laziness more likely. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps and tackle them one at a time,” writes Birenbaum.
- Remove distractions such as phones and TV when you are trying to work.
- Follow the two-minute rules. “If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately,” writes Birenbaum. “This prevents small tasks from piling up and feeling overwhelming.”
- Ask others to hold you accountable.
- Expect failure. “Everyone faces obstacles and failures,” writes Birenbaum. “Instead of succumbing to laziness when things go wrong, use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.”
If it’s not laziness, what is it?
Many signs of being lazy are also signs of issues such as clinical depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. There are also medical conditions that cause brain fog and low-energy, like chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid problems, to name a few. Even short-term health issues like poor nutrition, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, and substance use can create this feeling.
Push yourself or go easy on yourself?
Sometimes “laziness” comes from a lack of discipline, in which case, a person should work on time management and prioritizing long-term goals over short-term satisfaction. Sometimes it’s all about finding meaning, something personally motivating. Other times, “laziness” is a sign to slow down. For instance, people could experience burnout or simple exhaustion. Yes, they may feel sluggish and uninspired, but that’s because they need some rest.
Ask for help
Outside help could be key for someone trying to become less lazy. It may take the form of a loved one keeping them accountable for their goals, or signing up for a class or group that requires attendance. But it can also come in the form of a mentor or professional therapist who can help come up with actionable ways to increase productivity, create clear goals, and prevent burnout.
Therapy can also help people work toward improving self-esteem and overcoming fears of failure or rejection, all of which can contribute to laziness. And above all, therapists and medical professionals can help treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that make people seem “lazy”.
Read More: 12 Signs of an Emotionally Intelligent Person