I’m Not Lazy!

Do you ever feel like you’re wearing the label of “lazy” wherever you go? It can sting when someone else uses it, and it feels even worse when you call yourself lazy. This episode dives into why that word pops up so often and how it can impact the way we see ourselves, especially if it’s followed us for years.

In this discussion, I open up about my own experiences with being labelled “lazy,” how it became a part of my self-talk and the reasons I’m trying to challenge it. If you’ve ever been unsettled by that label or felt stuck because of it, these ideas might help you move forward with a bit more compassion for yourself.

Why “Lazy” Rattles Us

Most of us don’t want to admit we care about labels, but they do affect us. When someone hurls the term “lazy” our way, we either shrink back or lash out. The worst part is internalising it and using that word to define who we are.

A big part of it is how the brain clings to negativity. If you’ve grown up hearing that you don’t work hard enough or that you’re not trying, you tend to carry those beliefs into adulthood. It can feel like there’s no escape from the verdict.

“I call myself lazy—it’s been drilled into me my whole life.”

That’s a line from the podcast that captures it perfectly. It’s not just something someone else said once. It’s a repeated message that becomes an echo in your mind until you believe it must be true.

Where the “Lazy” Label Comes From

We often trace this story back to early experiences. For some, it’s teachers complaining that we aren’t living up to our “potential.” For others, it’s family members pushing us to do more, even when we felt overwhelmed.

But the label can also be self-imposed. Sometimes we expect miracles from ourselves, and when we fall short of those high ideals, “lazy” is the easiest way to explain the gap. We might think we’re not disciplined enough or we’re missing something everyone else seems to have.

As we dig deeper into the meaning behind that word, a different picture emerges. It might not be laziness but a need for clarity, a stronger sense of purpose or a break to recover from life’s demands. Dyslexic or ADHD minds can get overloaded fast, so short bursts of rest, or even procrastination, can feel necessary—but we judge ourselves for them anyway.

• Hearing “lazy” at school and letting it shape our self-image
• Comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we don’t measure up
• Overlooking the fact that rest might be exactly what we need
• Assuming tasks should be easier than they are

Breaking the Habit of Negative Self-Talk

The tricky part is stopping that “lazy” label from looping in your head. It’s possible to undo it, but it takes a bit of self-awareness. You have to start noticing when you say it and question whether it’s the right word.

One way is to acknowledge that what might appear as laziness can actually be a fear of getting things wrong. When your mind is racing with thoughts like “What if I fail?” or “I’ll never get it perfect,” it’s easier to do nothing. Another way is to recognise that you could be in need of a fresh challenge, not an endless list of half-hearted chores.

So what changes can help you see beyond “lazy”?

1. Reframe Busy Work: If it feels pointless, look for a more meaningful approach.
2. Small Steps Matter: Even if you take tiny actions, it’s better than feeling stuck.
3. Schedule Breaks: Give yourself permission to rest without shame.
4. Ask for Help: Getting support can reduce overwhelm and fear of failure.

None of these changes happen overnight, but they can help shift a regular pattern of thinking into something more hopeful.

Moving Past the Label

I’m finding it really useful to challenge the stories I’ve told myself. When I catch that old “you’re just lazy” voice, I ask myself if it’s truly the root cause of what’s happening. If I’m honest, it’s usually something else: I’m tired, I’m anxious about a new project or I’d rather do something that genuinely excites me.

It helps to look at what actually drives us. Are we doing tasks that align with our strengths or values? Or are we dragged into deadlines and chores that steal our energy? Sometimes we simply lack focus because the task is dull or doesn’t feel relevant.

Here’s a tip: try swapping out “lazy” for something more specific. Say “I’m taking a break because I need to recharge,” or “I’m unsure how to start,” and see if that small change in wording alters how you feel. It’s a process of pinpointing the real reason behind that stuck feeling and refusing to let “lazy” be your default label.

That’s the heart of this episode—exploring why we wear that name tag, how it’s affecting us and what to do when it seems glued onto our identity.

• We all have stories we tell about ourselves
• “Lazy” is often just a placeholder for deeper issues
• Self-awareness makes it easier to question default labels
• Replacing negative words can shift your entire perspective

In the end, if you’re calling yourself lazy, it’s worth digging into why. Understanding the deeper reasons can free you from the burden, helping you see your strengths and needs more clearly.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t take “lazy” at face value. There could be hidden fears or stress behind it.
• You might need rest or a more exciting challenge, not a scolding.
• Replace harsh words with accurate descriptions of how you feel or what you need.
• Small steps, support and self-awareness go a long way in breaking that cycle.

That’s the snapshot of what we chatted about in the episode. Give it a listen if you’d like to dive deeper into each point and hear more personal stories around being labelled and what it really means.

If you’re ready to shift away from calling yourself lazy, or if you want to understand why you do it in the first place, press play on the podcast at the top of this page. I promise you’re not just a lazy person, and exploring this topic might help you see new possibilities on your own journey.

Ready to learn more? Hit play on the full episode above and join the conversation.