Overcome Laziness: Why + How To Do It

“Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.”

— Ecclesiastes 10:18

Laziness is the biggest enemy of us humans. And it's the cause of sadness and depression.

That feeling that we can’t do it. That limit we put on ourselves.

But how do you overcome laziness? Let’s first answer a few questions. 

What Is Laziness?

Laziness is the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy for an activity that is perceived difficult or uncomfortable.

What Is a Lazy Person Like?

A lazy person is reluctant to do anything that involves work and fatigue

What is Idleness?

Laziness is not to be confused with idleness — which simply means not doing anything.

Idleness can be seen in a positive way, as it is in the Italian saying “Dolce far niente” (sweet doing nothing).

Many people find it difficult to do nothing for a long period of time.

“To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.”

— Oscar Wilde

What Is The Cause of Laziness?

Laziness comes from extreme levels of pleasure. 

In most cases, exposure to extreme levels of pleasure or distractions causes lack of motivation and, consequently, laziness.

This doesn’t mean pleasure is bad. But…too much pleasure is. 

Another cause of laziness is simple fear, which makes us freeze in front of big tasks.

What Are The Disadvantages of Laziness? 

• Laziness stops you from being free

• Laziness stops you from achieving your goals

• Laziness makes you not enjoy life

• Laziness results in an unhealthy lifestyle

• Laziness can cause sadness, depression, and anxiety

Is Stress Good?

Stress is necessary for growth. Being lazy all the time will help you accomplish nothing in life. But “laziness” — or simply relaxing and resting — is also useful. It will help you restore your body and mind to push even harder next time.

Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus taught that pleasure is the highest good. But he also warned us that we shouldn’t pursue every pleasure, and we shouldn’t avoid all pain. 

How Do You Overcome Laziness?

If your laziness is caused by fear, admit your fear, allow yourself to feel it, and take action to overcome it.

“In the longer term, the only way to overcome laziness is to profoundly understand its nature and particular causes: to think, think, and think, and, over the years, slowly find a better way of living.”

— Neel Burton, M.D., psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer.

This is my personal suggestion to overcome laziness: if you need to do something hard but are too lazy to do it, just make yourself start it with the goal to do only part of it.