10 reasons you’re being “lazy”
I’m kind of a low-energy person.
I power through the day, like Superwoman (okay, that might be a stretch, but whatever), crushing it at work and taking care of everyone in the family, etc.
But when I have free time? You know - When I should be doing things like working out and pursuing my personal goals and fixing that blinking light in the basement - I’m done.
And I turn into a lazy slug.
In fact, we’ve started talking about my pajamas as “couch pants.” Because when I’m done running around, taking care of everyone, it’s COUCH PANTS TIME BABY.
Comfy Pants + Wine + Couch + Trash TV + Phone Scrolling - O’Clock
Some would call it laziness. I call it heaven.
But listen, it took time for me to get to a place where I started to understand my laziness so I could make a decision to either:
Bootstrap ye olde motivation and get some shit done, or….
Lean in, put on some couch pants, and REST
So if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I so lazy all the time?” - Hi. Welcome. You’re in good company.
Think You’re Lazy? Here’s What’s Really Going On
So…You think you're lazy.
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After all, you're not following through with your plans. You spend your nights on the couch binge-watching Netflix.
You think about all the things you're NOT doing.
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Diagnosis: Lazy af
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You have sooo much to do and you’re not doing enough. If you could only solve your laziness problem, stop procrastinating, muster up your mojo, and take action life would be much better amirite?
And whyyyyy are you so stinking lazy in the first place? Well...I'm so glad you asked! 😉
Because I have 10 answers for you!
10 Surprising Reasons You Feel Lazy, Unmotivated, or Stuck⠀⠀⠀
1. You don't want to do the thing in the first place.
If a task feels boring or lacks importance for you, your brain will resist doing it. This is just how your brain is made.
A special callout to my ADHD friends - This is ESPECIALLY true for your brains. If a task is exciting for you, you’re probably going to hyperfocus on it. If it’s not? You’re going to get real distracted real quick. That laundry will start looking really interesting. And you’re going to find yourself doing anything BUT
2. Your expectations of what you can accomplish defy time + physics.
You have a herculean to-do list, unrealistic expectations, and no strategy. So you feel overwhelmed and avoid the tasks to cope.
3. You're trying to do too many things.
You have five different goals at the same time and you feel like you're failing all of them. So you feel confused and overwhelmed and you avoid all of them.
4. You think of tasks as "hard."
That task you're avoiding? If you think it will be "hard," your brain perceives a threat, you feel dread, and you avoid to cope (notice a theme here? Perceived threat = Avoid).
5. You tell yourself you "should" do something.
Thinking "I should..." sounds like a nice thought. But it's poison. It kills your motivation. Stop shoulding on yourself.
6. You're overcomplicating things.
You can't JUST eat more vegetables. You need to find the recipes and the time and go a certain store. Your brain will try to make things complicated. You'll feel overwhelmed and (you guessed it!) avoid it as a way to cope.
7. You're thinking it's all or nothing.
The brain loves to fantasize about doing a lot of things perfectly. So when you can't do it the way you want, why bother? Your brain tells you doing a little is basically the same as doing nothing at all.
8. You're not managing your stress so you fight/flight/freeze and avoid tasks to cope.
If you're flooded with stress hormones, your brain will tell you that you need to avoid doing more so you don't die.
9. You have a human brain that's designed to conserve energy.
You are wired to do as little as possible. So while your brain is telling you to do all the things (See #7), it also wants you to go sit on the couch.
10. You're telling yourself you're lazy (like it's a bad thing).
Laziness is good for you. You were never meant to "hustle" 24/7. So go take a nap, order out, and watch some Netflix. You need rest.
You’re Not Lazy, You’re Human. Let’s Normalize That⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It's cool to be lazy. There's no glory in working yourself into the ground.
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Stop trying to force yourself to do things you really don't want to do. Or shaming yourself into accomplishing your goals by calling yourself lazy.
Your brain is designed to keep you alive, not to help you achieve your goals.
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And finally, know that you are always enough - regardless of how much you're checking off your to-do list.
What to Do When You Feel Lazy but Want to Be Productive
Understanding why you're procrastinating is the first step. But what next?
You don’t need a productivity bootcamp or a 37-step morning routine. You just need a strategy that works with your energy and your brain - not against it.
👉 Start here:
✔️ The Lazy Person’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done — actionable tips to help you follow through even when you’re low on motivation.
✔️ Why Am I So Exhausted All the Time? — if you’re tired no matter what, this one’s for you.
✔️ 8 Signs of Burnout — because sometimes “lazy” is actually a full-body red flag.
You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re just human—and there’s a better way to do things.
I know what it’s like to KNOW you are smart and capable but fail to follow through with your goals. I want to reassure you - You CAN completely transform your life and career, even if you don’t have a lot of time and energy.
But it isn’t as easy as buying a new planner, starting over every Monday, finding the perfect action program, or waiting until lightning strikes and you’re suddenly filled with endless motivation.
The #1 reason you might not have the life and career you truly want is because you don’t have the core strategies in place.
Here’s how to do that:
Get clear on what you really want
Create a simple plan that’s easy to follow
Make decisions and implement them quickly and powerfully
Build momentum for healthy habits and stop wasting time on things that suck your energy
Learn how to manage self-doubt and fear so they don’t hold you back
We go through each step together when I’m your coach.
If this sounds unfamiliar, don’t worry! I know it seems like a process, but when you take it one step at a time (with me by your side), it’s totally doable.
Each week, we’ll tackle a piece of the puzzle together -- so that, by the end of our 4 months together, you’ll have everything you need to create a life and career you love.
Can you imagine how GOOD it will feel when you wake up each day, filled with purpose?
When you go to bed every night, feeling accomplished?
When you know that you are the person who sets a goal and hits it every time (not because they’re easy, but because you are unstoppable)?
This is what happens when you know exactly how to create motivation and take action.
It’s time. Click the button below and let’s talk about the life that’s waiting for you.
Why You’re Not Actually Lazy (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why do I feel lazy and unmotivated all the time?
A: It’s rarely about laziness. Most people feel stuck because of overwhelm, stress, perfectionism, or trying to do too much at once. Your brain is wired to conserve energy - not to hustle endlessly.
Q: How do I stop procrastinating when I have no motivation?
A: Stop waiting to feel motivated. Start by picking one small, doable action. Momentum builds motivation (not the other way around).
Q: What if I know what I should do, but I still don’t do it?
A: “Should” thoughts kill motivation. Instead, try reframing the task with language you actually believe - like “I choose to…” or “This matters to me because…”
Q: Can being lazy be a good thing?
A: Absolutely. Rest and laziness are not the same as failure. Your body and brain need downtime to function well. Sometimes being “lazy” is exactly what you need.
Q: How can coaching help if I struggle with follow-through?
A: A good coach helps you figure out what matters to you, build simple plans that work with your energy levels, and overcome mental blocks like perfectionism or shame. You don’t need more discipline. You need better strategy and support.
You should also read…
Hi! I’m Erica
Licensed psychotherapist. Corporate dropout. Wife to Brendan. Mom to twins + one. ADHDer. Slow runner. Coffee drinker. Swear words enthusiast.
I know exactly what it’s like to have a life that looks successful on the outside but feel chronically exhausted, frustrated, and completely lost on the inside.
I help underachieving high-achievers create lives and careers they love, without burning out.
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