There’s a vast difference between being laid-back and being downright lazy.
The difference is all about progress. Being laid-back is about taking time to relax and enjoy life, but still making strides towards your goals.
Being lazy, however, is when you’re stalled in life, not moving forward due to certain habits you’ve cultivated over time.
Lazy people have a particular way of doing (or not doing) things that keeps them stuck in a rut. And trust me, I’ve identified eight habits that are common amongst them.
Let’s get started.
1) Procrastination
There’s no habit more common amongst lazy people than procrastination.
And it’s not just about delaying tasks. It’s a whole lifestyle.
Often, you’ll find a lazy person with a to-do list as long as their arm. But instead of tackling any item on the list, they’ll find every reason not to.
Welcome to the world of procrastination.
Procrastination is the art of delaying or postponing tasks unnecessarily. It’s the primary trait of a lazy person. The basic idea is that they always believe there’s plenty of time to do things later.
Consider this. It’s the mindset behind those who always say, “I’ll do it tomorrow” and the reason why some people never achieve their goals or move forward in life.
When a lazy person is confronted with a task, they will often avoid the mental load of starting it by convincing themselves they can do it later.
2) Lack of self-discipline
Now, this one hits close to home for me.
Back in the day, I had a serious lack of self-discipline. It seemed like an elusive concept, something only successful people mastered.
In my world, Netflix marathons often took precedence over important tasks. Chocolates trumped salads. And hitting the snooze button? Oh boy, it was my favorite early morning activity.
I was living the life of a lazy person, with no self-discipline to guide me.
Self-discipline is about making choices that propel you forward, even when they’re not the most enjoyable or comfortable. It’s about choosing the salad over the chocolate, the early morning run over an extra hour of sleep.
When I finally realized how my lack of self-discipline was holding me back, I began to make changes. I started small – replacing one episode of Netflix with 30 minutes of reading or study. Swapping one unhealthy snack for a fruit each day. Waking up 10 minutes earlier each week.
Over time, these small changes made a big difference and helped me break away from my lazy habits.
3) Avoidance of challenges
People who are inherently lazy often steer clear of challenges. They prefer the path of least resistance and tend to stick with what they know.
This avoidance of challenges is not just a habit, it’s a mindset. It’s about playing it safe and not venturing out of the comfort zone.
Here’s something to ponder – Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” It indicates that mistakes and challenges are a part of personal growth and development.
When you avoid challenges, you’re also avoiding opportunities to learn, grow, and advance in life. You’re essentially staying in the same place, not moving forward.
4) Poor time management
Time is a finite resource, yet it’s often squandered by those who are stuck in a pattern of laziness. Poor time management is a habit that can keep you from moving forward in life.
Let’s imagine a day in the life of a person with poor time management skills. They might sleep in until noon, spend hours scrolling through social media, or binge-watch a TV series while their to-do list gathers dust.
In this scenario, valuable time is wasted on activities that offer little to no benefits in the long run.
The key to overcoming poor time management is being intentional with your time. It’s about prioritizing tasks and activities that align with your goals and values.
If you’re constantly running out of time and failing to accomplish meaningful tasks, it might be time to take stock of how you’re managing your hours.
5) Fear of failure
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle standing in our way isn’t laziness. It’s fear. Specifically, the fear of failure.
This fear can be so powerful, so overwhelming, that it stops us from even trying. We become paralyzed, stuck in our current situation because we’re too scared of what might happen if we fail.
Imagine having dreams and aspirations, but never pursuing them because you’re too afraid of the potential pitfalls. It’s a heartbreaking reality for many.
But here’s the truth – failure is a part of life. It’s a stepping stone to success. Every setback, every misstep, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
6) Relying on motivation
There was a time when I thought motivation was the key to success. If I could just muster up enough motivation, I believed I could accomplish anything.
I would wait for that burst of energy, that spark of inspiration. But more often than not, it wouldn’t come. And even when it did, it was fleeting. The fire would burn out quickly, leaving me back where I started.
I soon realized that relying solely on motivation was a mistake. It’s inconsistent and unreliable.
What truly drives progress is discipline – the ability to do what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.
If you find yourself waiting for motivation to strike, consider this a wake-up call. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or mood. Start working towards your goals today, no matter how you feel. This is the only surefire way to keep moving forward in life.
7) Resistance to change
Change is a natural part of life. It’s the driving force behind growth and progress. But for some people, the mere thought of change can be terrifying.
This resistance to change can manifest in various ways. It could be sticking to old, unproductive habits, refusing to learn new skills, or even avoiding new experiences altogether.
While change can be uncomfortable, it’s often necessary for progress. Staying stuck in old ways is like running on a treadmill – you’re putting in effort, but not really going anywhere.
If you find yourself resisting change, it might be time to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the new and unknown. The only constant in life is change. Learn to adapt and evolve with it to keep moving forward.
8) Lack of goals
Without a destination in mind, any road will take you there. This is precisely what happens when you lack goals in life.
Goals give you a sense of direction, a purpose to strive for. They’re the roadmap that guides your actions and decisions.
If you don’t have goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, wasting time and energy on meaningless pursuits.
Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for moving forward in life. They provide a path to follow, milestones to achieve, and a sense of accomplishment when reached.
If you’re lacking in this area, it’s time to sit down and define what you want from life. Set your goals and then work consistently towards achieving them. It’s the most effective way to break free from the shackles of laziness and start making real progress in life.
