In our fast-paced society, the “work hard, play hard” mentality is pervasive. We are constantly told that if we want to be successful, we need to dedicate ourselves completely to our work and never take a break. This mentality has given rise to the myth of laziness: the belief that taking any time for yourself is a sign of weakness.
But is this really true? Or is it simply another way to pressure people into working themselves to death?
As professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners, it is important to dispel the myths that plague our thinking and prevent us from achieving success. One such myth is the belief that laziness is the root of failure.
This blog post will explore the myths and realities of laziness and shed some light on this often-misunderstood concept.
What Is the Laziness Myth and How Does It Affect You?
What if it’s not just laziness that makes us procrastinate but also a deeper-seated fear of failure or rejection?
The term “laziness” has been around since at least 1881 when an Ota Benga was labeled as such by Harvard psychologist William James in his book “Sides Of Nature.” It wasn’t until decades later, though, after more research had revealed some interesting insights into human nature – specifically why people do things they know will be difficult—that this label started being phased out for newer labels like “experimenter’s anxiety.”
The laziness myth has enabled people to consider those who take frequent breaks as “just lazy.” But for many people, especially those who have had little to no human interaction lately, their behavior exhibits something more worrying less about passivity. Rather than talk compassionately and find out what may be driving a person’s seeming “laziness,” people merely wave them off and dismiss them. Failure to understand these behaviors could mean someone’s life.
So instead of seeking guidance from mental health professionals, the person ends up keeping their emotions to themselves, neglecting their crisis and falling farther down the “rabbit hole.”
Why Do We Believe in the Laziness Myth?
We believe in the laziness myth because it’s easier to blame our lack of productivity on something else.
The reason most people are not productive at work has nothing to do with their genes but instead stems from an external force trying desperately hard to keep them down: society’s expectations and demands.
The Root of the Laziness Myth
Where does it come from?
The idea that people are lazy has been around for centuries, and although some may argue its existence in our society is due simply because we live cushy lives with plenty to choose from at all times.
There’s no denying how real this trait feels when you experience mental fatigue or muscle tension after hours spent doing nothing but scrolling through social media feeds on your phone. It doesn’t take long before these feelings turn into physical ailments, either; symptoms such as back pain may result if poor posture becomes chronic over time.
How to combat your own laziness with a few easy steps
The easiest way to combat your own laziness is by following these four steps.
- First, you should get up early in the morning and go for a walk or do some housework before breakfast time—this will help wake you up.
- Second, try doing more activities with friends who are still awake when it’s later evening—even if they’re not really into entertainment like TV-binging, etc. Just go out somewhere together as friends instead of staying at home all day playing video games online.
- Thirdly, stop watching so many hours’ worth of TV
What Are Some Ways to Get More Motivated?
The best way to stay motivated is by taking care of yourself. Here are some tips for how you can get more energized and focused:
Drink water
It’s crucial for your body to get proper hydration it needs, especially if exercise or any other work activity may occur later on in the day; over time, this will help with mental clarity as well because the lack thereof leads many people into confusion about what they’re doing at all times (a disaster waiting just around every corner). You should aim to drink eight glasses per day minimum.
Don’t check your social media
Take time today (or every other day) morning when there isn’t much else going on around. Set the alarm 30 minutes earlier than usual or simply go outside first thing after breakfast without even checking social media.
Aspire a positive attitude
Avoid negative thinking at all costs; instead, focus only on what makes life worth living, so you’re not discouraged by anything that goes wrong or doesn’t go well right away. It sounds simple, but this one habit could make all the difference with regard to becoming more productive.
When we judge people for their lack of productivity, it prevents us from understanding the underlying causes and forces them into a corner that they may not be able to escape. Before you assume laziness is at fault, take time to understand why someone isn’t meeting your expectations. You may find yourself surprised by what you learn about them.