Do You Ever Feel Lazy?

Have you ever been called lazy even when you’re trying your hardest? It’s a word that can cut deep and echo for days, especially when you’re already juggling dyslexia and its hidden quirks. In this episode, I share how that label gets under my skin and shapes how I see myself.

We dig into why dyslexia can make you feel tired or stuck. We also talk about why hearing “you’re lazy” can build mental barriers. By the end, you’ll see that your experiences are more common than you might think. Though it can feel isolating, there’s a path forward when we talk about it openly.

Why Being Called ‘Lazy’ Hurts

Growing up, I heard that lazy word over and over. It made me wonder if I was doing something wrong or if there was something off in my brain. This feeling stuck with me for years, and I’d often avoid tasks where I could fail again. I was scared of being labelled lazy one more time.

Once you believe there’s something wrong with your effort level, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You start to live up to that label because it’s what people expect. Then, you blame yourself for not magically powering through. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s hard to break without a bit of self-compassion.

“I get told I’m lazy, I internalise it, and it makes me feel bad.”

That quote really sums up my journey. It’s the weight of constantly questioning if I’m doing enough. When dyslexia is part of your life, it’s easy to slip into the trap of thinking you’re the problem when you can’t meet others’ expectations.

What Dyslexia Feels Like on the Inside

Dyslexia isn’t just about spelling or reading. It can affect the speed your brain processes tasks or how you organise information. Sometimes you know the answer but can’t express it in the way people expect.

On the outside, it may look like a lack of effort. On the inside, you’re running five mental marathons just to stay on top of everyday life. That mismatch is frustrating because nobody sees the work you’re putting in behind the scenes.

When people say, “Just read the instructions” or “You’re not even trying,” you can feel stuck. It’s not that you don’t want to put in effort. It’s that your mind doesn’t process information quickly. Here’s what it might look like from a dyslexic perspective:

• Reading a sentence three times before it sinks in.
• Second-guessing a single email ten times because you’re worried about typos.
• Losing track of conversations and having trouble jumping back in.
• Feeling mentally drained by noon because you’ve been overthinking everything.

None of that is laziness. It’s daily life with dyslexia.

Strategies for Self-Kindness

So how do you move forward? First, remember that you’re not alone. There’s a big community of dyslexics who get those same “lazy” comments. Next, try strategies that give you space to reflect and adapt without beating yourself up.

Here are some ideas:

• Find a support system: This could be online groups or close friends who understand your journey.
• Set realistic goals: It’s tempting to do everything at once. Sometimes one big goal can be broken into smaller steps.
• Use tools: Tech like text-to-speech and grammar checkers can be lifesavers. They reduce the mental load and free your energy for the big stuff.
• Celebrate wins: Even small victories count. Give yourself credit when you tackle something tough.
• Talk about it: If you can, let friends or family know how you’re feeling. People won’t understand your struggles unless they hear your side.

Self-kindness is not a magic fix. But it’s a step away from the spiral of shame. You’re not slacking. You’re playing a different game with different rules.

Reclaiming Your Narrative

The biggest hurdle is shifting the narrative in your head. If you’ve spent decades calling yourself lazy, it’s tough to turn that off. But a new story can start when you remind yourself that dyslexia is part of who you are, not a chance occurrence.

You can reclaim your narrative by tracking your daily achievements, no matter how small. Often we fail to notice our own progress and focus instead on what we haven’t done. Over time, all those little wins add up and push that old lazy label out the door.

It takes courage to say, “That label’s not mine.” But you deserve to see yourself in a fresh light. Yes, you may work differently. You also have insights and talents that others might not. Those are worth owning, especially on the days you feel most misunderstood.

• Recognise that your pace is valid.
• Speak openly about dyslexia’s ups and downs.
• Reframe negative labels by focusing on your strengths.
• Let yourself be human, not perfect.

Changing your story doesn’t happen overnight. Yet each step forward leaves that “lazy” label further behind. The more you open up about it, the more empathy you’ll find. You might just discover you’re not alone in how you feel.

• Understand that “lazy” is often code for “I don’t see how hard you’re trying.”
• Look for tools or communities that help you feel less alone.
• Remind yourself daily that your way of processing the world is valid.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia can make everyday tasks feel exhausting, which may look like laziness to others.
• Using strategies like smaller goals and tech assistance can lighten the load.
• Self-compassion is vital when clawing your way out of negative self-talk.
• Speaking up about your experience helps break down the “lazy” label.

Ready to dive deeper? The podcast player is at the top of the page. Listen to the full episode to hear personal stories and tips on beating that lazy label for good. You might just find the confidence boost you need to see yourself through a kinder lens.