How To Overcome Laziness (Or How To Work With Fear)

Last week, I only published on Monday and Tuesday. In my journal, I’m asking myself obsessively — what is happening?

So really, what is happening? Did I put too much on my shoulders? Am I getting lazy again?

During my awareness training, we’ve reached a thought that laziness is not by nature but by an act. We’re lazy because we don’t know what to do or why we do things. We’re lazy when we get distracted. We’re lazy when purpose and vision are missing.

The problem with my decline was apparent. I’m secretly afraid that I will fall back to inactivity. And in effect, false values.

Last week, I took on a bunch of new responsibilities at the new job. With the ongoing chores and some new goals that I’m trying to hit, it’s been a lot. However, I can handle it if my support structure works well. Meaning I don’t have any negativity in my life — I’m well with my family and friends, and I’m healthy.

On Tuesday, I wrote about dropping the unenjoyable and unbeneficial moments. It’s funny how I never thought about it before. We go through life thinking it’s just ups and downs, though never stopping and thinking — How can I prevent this happening? How can I make my experience better?

Ask the right questions

Ryan Holiday argues that it is questions that might change your life. In fact, it’s advisable to ask some better than none. With questions and guidance, you will find the right questions.

There is no pressure to find the answers. Some fleet, some aren’t certain. In fact, the point of finding the answer is not the destination. Reaching and asking the right questions — and attempting to answer, might be the destination.

It is for me. I hit a bump and got distracted. I looked inwards to identify the problem. I asked the questions. I have neither a solution or an answer to that problem. In fact, that problem has been haunting me for a few years already. I had to zoom-in, and define what’s wrong. Be as specific as I can. Now, I’m in control — I can design my life to avoid this bump next time.

Asking these questions regularly might be good practice to stay aware of the influences in our lives. Leonardo Da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin had their techniques to remain aware of their fears. They made regular lists of overwhelming moments, to which they would come back over time to see how they advance.

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
— Marcus Aurelius

Tim Ferriss goes a step further with his fear-setting exercise, where he defines explicitly his fears and what they stand for. He then points to what needs to be done to prevent and repair possible consequences.

When it’s right there in front of you, on a piece of paper, it’s not as powerful anymore. It’s just a table with words.

Fear is not unreasonable. Yet always avoidable.