When you are asked what it means to be lazy, you’re probably more inclined to describe it in terms of behaviors that are lacking rather than by what it is. For instance, you might perceive it as the absence of motivation, determination, and drive to complete tasks even when the person is perfectly capable of doing them. While many psychologists argue that laziness isn’t an inherent personality trait, its effects can take a profound toll on both mental and physical health.
People who are plagued by laziness have difficulty meeting their work obligations in a timely fashion. They lack ambition. Setting goals isn’t their thing. The more challenging a task is, the more likely they’ll shy away from it. Instead of striving for their potential, they settle for doing just enough to get by. Here are 8 indicators that someone might fit this description.
1. Procrastination
Sure, we’re all guilty of delaying tasks from time to time. But for lazy people, procrastination isn’t an exception, it’s the rule. Instead of tackling important jobs head-on, they consistently put them off—often at the stage where it’s too late. This pattern often results in missed deadlines, poor performance, and personal setbacks. It should be noted that it’s rarely about the task itself that leads to lazy behavior, but rather the emotions tied to it. The temporary relief from avoiding a dreaded task may feel good in the moment, but the consequences inevitably catch up. Oh, and criticizing yourself for procrastinating isn’t a solution either. In fact, it can actually make the habit worse, locking a person into a vicious cycle of delay and self-blame.
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8 Signs of Chronic Laziness