It’s true, we all get lazy from time to time, and it is actually sometimes well deserved. But the topic ‘laziness’ can unfold in different ways in our lives and can sometimes be misconstrued as something more accepting. The most important thing to understand about laziness is that it not only dwells in the physical being. More damaging than that, it dwells in the mind. Laziness in this capacity is much more prevalent because it can hide from the eye, may not always be seen by others and can sometimes even hide from our own realization. When it’s not noticed as what it really is, it is instead referenced as something more acceptable such as ‘waiting’, ‘praying over’, and ‘contemplating’. I believe laziness is a spirit that can dwell, stick around, eat up energy, and eventually become the guide, reason, and excuse for every action, every thought, and every feeling an individual might possess.
Everyone knows what it feels like to be physically lazy, trying to get to that moment of the day where we can drop everything and take a nap, lounge, or just call it a day and sleep. More than any other form of laziness, we tend to steer more away from the physical laziness especially when it becomes noticeable by others, possibly developing a concern by others that more might be going on. We know that experiences such as depression, medical conditions, or physical ailments may contribute to the habits of an over-sleeper and instead of accepting that we may have these issues going on, are likely to control our sleeping habits more. But instead of trying to make things appear as something they’re not, it is more beneficial to find out why extra sleep is so needed and to finds ways to change that physical desire. It is highly likely that a typical over-sleeper has succumbed to that life-snatcher known as laziness.
It is most important, however, that we recognize the laziness we’ve developed in the mind especially because when we don’t think to do something, we typically don’t do it. When we think a hundred thoughts about why we don’t want to do something, we typically don’t do it. The more creative we become at finding excuses to not do what needs to be done, the more possible it becomes to make laziness a lifetime habit and often times it does become just that, a lifetime habit. We justify thoughts with reasons such as ‘waiting on the right time’, ‘waiting on God’ or an answer to prayer’, or ‘still deciding’. At times, these reasons are completely valid but waiting should never mean bringing your responsibility in the matter to a halt. Waiting in this manner, while praying and contemplating means being in touch with your instincts to know what’s right and what’s not, listening for the voice of God, with whom you hopefully already have a relationship with. It’s not typical that we wait on someone we don’t know. Waiting also means paying attention enough to make the right decisions, continue researching, continue networking, continue your awareness of all options available. What it does not mean is ‘do nothing’. When you’re waiting and ‘doing nothing’, it’s a good chance that being lazy is what you’re really doing and that is why nothing gets accomplished. It is crucial that we respect ourselves enough to be willing to acknowledge which is actually taking place in our lives. Are we really waiting or are we being lazy?
It is important that we recognize the spirit of laziness for what it is because of the numerous effects it can have on our lives. Outside of the obvious of getting nothing accomplished, it causes us to despise and envy others when we measure what has or has not taken place between our own life and theirs. It can also cause us to become bitter. Laziness interrupts relationships because of the unhappiness we endure within our innermost being as a result. The spirit of laziness affects many different aspects in our lives and is a major part of the vicious cycle of negativity. To break the habit, we can start doing things we don’t want to do but know we need to do, even if we have to cry doing it. Make it a purpose to do something everyday that you really want to put off until tomorrow, or if truth be told, until next year. The initiatives you do take can over time become habit. Such habits enhance character. The consequences of these habits can be fulfilling, rewarding, and can began to lead us tothat ultimate state we so desire, that ‘feel good’ state. When you thought the comfort zone of being lazy and only doing what you wanted to do felt good, imagine what it must feel like getting things accomplished and experiencing rewards. Quite a few will always only imagine. Some will catch on, work hard and experience the real state of ‘feel good’. Don’t miss out because you choose to do what’s easier but instead, create the habit of always working, whether it’s physical or mental work because in this case, laziness will soon depart.
Tawana R. Powell
