Lazy - One of My Least Favorite Words
Backstep Forward
by Kyle Mast
A short, to-the-point, regular thoughtletter.
One challenge to take a step back.
One idea to propel you forward.
“You know what you need to do. I know what I need to do. We know the work that should be done. The work that should not, cannot, be pushed out by the lesser things currently taking its place.” (Share this on Twitter)
Lazy. That’s the word I don’t like. Not because it’s a bad word in itself but because using it conveys something more powerful than I want to confront.
The word “lazy” often comes with a simplistic image—like a late 20s dude sitting on a couch in his mom’s basement. While that image fits, “lazy” goes so much deeper than that. It’s not that simple. Countless Proverbs are written on the dangers of laziness, and they aren’t just referring to a video-game-addicted late-launcher.
I don’t like this word because I don’t like confronting it in myself. It’s very convincting when examined on a deeper level. I would be surprised if anyone described me as lazy. I’m a productive guy. I get things done. I prioritize. I build. I create. I work hard and then take time to rest but I’m not lazy. Or am I?
I’ve learned over the years that laziness rears its head in new and creative ways. Just when you think you’ve mastered it, it morphs and reappears in a new camouflage. I’ve got ideas and thoughts flowing out of my head into my notebooks and phone all the time. Interestingly, even with lots of ideas, thoughts, and desires for things I want to do, it’s not hard for me to know what I SHOULD do. I know what’s most important. I just do. It’s intuitive and sometimes downright obvious. And I bet you know too.
So when I ask myself, “What am I being lazy about?” It hurts. Not because I’m sitting on a sofa eating cheese puffs but because I’m skillfully doing good things at the expense of the greatest things.
Backstep
What are you being lazy about? Ouch. Be honest with yourself. Ouch. Your faith? Your family? Your calling? You know what it is.
Forward
You know what you need to do. I know what I need to do. We know the work that should be done. The work that should not, cannot, be pushed out by the lesser things currently taking its place.
The cure for laziness is simple but not easy. It’s action. But not just action. Not lazy action. Focused action on what you NEED to be doing.
Identify the first, simple, focused action you need to take on what’s most important and do it as soon as possible! Don’t be lazy. Ouch.
“You know what you need to do. I know what I need to do. We know the work that should be done. The work that should not, cannot, be pushed out by the lesser things currently taking its place.” (Share this on Twitter)
Kyle Mast, CFP®
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