Laziness Doesn’t Exist

I don’t believe in laziness. It’s not a character flaw, nor do I think anyone is truly lazy in the sense that society often portrays. What I do believe in, however, is the concept of perceived laziness and the reality of underlying exhaustion. These are two distinct experiences that are often confused or misunderstood. Let me explain.

Underlying Exhaustion

As human beings, we are inherently designed to 'do', to work, to create—to engage in what we do best. However, this looks very different for different people. Some thrive on a 9-to-5 rhythm, finding endless energy in a structured routine. For them, engaging in a lot of ‘doing’ is not just natural, it’s a fundamental part of who they are. This constant state of productivity is fulfilling and meaningful.

For those who thrive in this way—let’s call them the “Doers”—their energy comes from engaging in activities that resonate deeply with them. When they are aligned with what they love and what gives them joy, they can go on seemingly without rest. However, even these individuals are not immune to exhaustion. When Doers are forced into tasks that don’t align with their natural inclinations, or when they ignore the need for breaks and balance, they too can burn out. This burnout manifests as fatigue, frustration, and a sense of depletion.

It’s crucial to recognize that even the most energetic Doers can reach a point of exhaustion when their activities aren’t aligned with their true nature, or when external pressures push them beyond their limits.

Perceived Laziness

On the other side of the spectrum are those who are designed differently, a smaller yet equally important group. Their way of functioning and contributing to the world doesn’t fit neatly into the conventional 9-to-5 mold. Let’s call them the “Creators.” Their value creation process is different—they operate on their own rhythm and often require more flexibility and spontaneity in how they work.

Are Creators lazy because they don’t thrive in structured environments? Absolutely not! However, in a society that glorifies constant productivity and the 9-to-5 grind, Creators often struggle to find their place. Their unique contributions are frequently misunderstood or undervalued, leading others to label them as lazy. This misunderstanding stems from the flawed belief that everyone should function in the same way and at the same pace.

 For Creators, it’s not about working less or doing nothing; it’s about working differently. They need the freedom to follow their creative impulses, to take breaks when their energy wanes, and to engage deeply when inspiration strikes. Their process might not look like traditional work, but it is no less valuable.

Call to Action

If you’re feeling exhausted or struggling with self-worth because you think you’re just lazy or not good enough to succeed, I invite you to explore how you function in the world. Understanding your unique energy and work style is the first step toward embracing your strengths and finding fulfillment in what you do.

Why Coaching Can Help

Coaching provides the tools to better understand yourself and how you operate. By recognizing whether you’re a Doer, a Creator, or somewhere in between, you can start to align your life and work with your true nature. This alignment reduces feelings of exhaustion and increases your sense of purpose and effectiveness.

Coaching also helps dismantle the harmful narrative of laziness. You’ll learn to honor your own process, whether it’s fast-paced and structured or flexible and creative. You’ll see that your way of working, when understood and respected, can lead to profound contributions and personal satisfaction.

Explore Your Energy

If you’re curious about where you stand, consider reflecting on your experiences. Do you feel drained after a day of rigid structure, or do you thrive in it? Do you come alive when you can follow your passions freely? Recognizing the symptoms of misalignment—whether it’s burnout or a sense of aimlessness—is key to making positive changes.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to work and life. By understanding your unique energy, you can stop labeling yourself (or others) as lazy and start living in a way that honors your true self.

The result? More joy, more ease and more success