This Week's Readings + Lesson

Lesson: You Might Be Lazier Than You Give Yourself Credit For

Feb 10, 2022

Tired man looking in mirror in bathroom — Photo Credit: Pexels, **Andrea Piacquadio**

My favorite book I’m reading right now is “The Science of Self-Discipline” by Peter Hollins. Every single time I read another page of this book, I’m slapped in the face with another wretched truth.

Am I doing the right thing or simply what’s easy?

Very often, doing the right thing means doing the hard thing. Unfortunately, they are frequently the same thing. The average person doesn’t typically choose things that are difficult when there is an alternative, which is why discipline is often the missing component for many people who don’t fulfill their goals. People tend to drift towards the path of least resistance, consciously or not. Example: Instead of rationalizing skipping a run because “it’s too hot outside” or “it’s too late,” instead, tell yourself, “I’m not going to run today because I’m too soft and lazy to maintain discipline” (Peter Hollins).

Damn. The truth hurts.

How often have you rationalized to yourself that you weren’t going to do something instead of telling yourself the truth: you were just being plain lazy?

Another excuse we often tell ourselves is that I’ll do it tomorrow, or I’ve been doing so well, so I deserve a break. Keep telling yourself these kinds of things and watch yourself progress backward.

The sucky truth is that we’re lazier than we think we are.

Sometimes I busy myself with “productive tasks” to avoid working on the real goal that needs to be completed. I try to rationalize to myself that I’m being productive, but ultimately I’m giving into procrastination on the most important stuff.

What’s your excuse, reasoning, or rationalization for why you can’t do something that will better your life or progress you towards your goals?

Destiny, xo