We often use the identity of laziness to hold ourselves back—not just from productivity, but from self-love and self-care. The label of "lazy" can become a comfortable but damaging narrative, reinforcing cycles of fatigue, regret, and self-doubt. But what if laziness isn’t the real problem? What if it’s something else—something we can compassionately work through?
Understanding the Different Types of "Laziness"
Many of us experience "laziness" in different ways, but often, it's a symptom rather than a cause. Here are some of the ways it can manifest:
Fatigue: We get stuck in a cycle—neglecting self-care leads to exhaustion, which makes it harder to take action, which creates even more fatigue.
Regret: Feeling like time has passed us by, that we’ve already "fallen behind," making it feel impossible to catch up.
Shame & Embarrassment: Not taking care of ourselves leads to guilt, which ironically makes us even less likely to prioritize self-care.
Social Fear: Worrying about how others will perceive us if we change our habits or prioritize wellness.
Overwhelm & Anxiety: Not knowing where to start, feeling paralyzed by too many choices or expectations.
Apathy: Sometimes mistaken for laziness, apathy can indicate deeper concerns like depression, which may require outside support.
Self-Definition: Perhaps the most powerful of all—identifying as "lazy" and staying trapped in that belief.
My Personal Experience
I dance between many of these types of "laziness," but the biggest one for me is self-identity. I’ve called myself lazy for years, reinforcing a belief that holds me back from self-care. But when I step back and question it, I realize: true laziness, as an inherent trait, is rare. Chances are, I’m not lazy—and neither are you.
Fatigue often plays a role, but I’ve found that once I build a rhythm of movement and self-care, I can break through. It’s not always easy, but when I make it a priority, my body responds. And that’s key—I want to live in this body for many more years, not just existing but thriving. Taking care of her is an act of love, not punishment.
Small Steps Toward Self-Care
I’ve found that what works best for me is setting bite-sized goals. Instead of overwhelming myself with long workouts or big commitments, I focus on:
Moving for just 15 minutes a day—because a little is always better than nothing.
Choosing movement I enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Practicing alone or with a trusted guide, reduces anxiety about looking foolish.
Letting go of shame and regret if I miss a day or eat something "unhealthy."
Being gentle with myself, recognizing that self-compassion is one of the best tools for self-care.
Embracing Love Over Labels
Laziness isn’t a character flaw—it’s often a mix of fatigue, fear, and self-doubt. The real challenge is shifting our mindset: replacing shame with self-compassion, breaking cycles of exhaustion, and redefining movement and care as acts of love rather than obligations.
I may still yo-yo between motivation and stagnation, but I know that loving myself through the process is the key to lasting change. So let’s let go of "lazy" and embrace loving—starting with ourselves.