Good post, one nit-picky comment: "ourself" is not a real word. You should use "ourselves" when referring back to "we".

What a splendid article. My attention was so thoroughly immersed in the content thereof, that calling into question the author's use of a word seems petty and secondary to something else entirely. I'll forego my inclination to speculate on the specifics of that "something else."

In the meantime, back to the real point which is the article in this "psychologytoday.com blog." How refreshing and edifying to read this unconventional view on "laziness." All of the points presented as possible explanations for the blanket term, "laziness," seem plausible and logical. The factor with which I personally identify is the one which relates lethargic avoidance to depression, and the other, which suggests that bitterness, cynicism or general negativity might engender "rebellion" which, in turn, can masquerade as "laziness."

This article is a goldmine, one that I will be sure to reference the next time the "L" word is used to describe me or someone I know. Dr. Seltzer's work is a courageous, masterful analysis on a grossly misunderstood topic.

That's my license plate number. I'm lazy and I'm proud of it. Laziness has took me a long way in life. In fact, I retired comfortably in 2000 at the age of 46. Laziness is not a negative, unless you are also lacking in intelligence, talent, and common sense.

Thank you. For putting into words (articulate and educated, words) what I have always known about myself, and wished others could see. I'll look forward to your next article (*hint, hint*) with reagard to improving upon some of these unfortunate tendancies. Myself, and many others no doubt, experience these road blocks in life. I've suffered many set backs, humilliations and otherwise avoidable predicaments soley because I didn't know what was wrong with me, or how to "fix" it. I am, and will without a doubt remain your "classic case" as nearly every single 'factor' that you listed has manifested itself in my psyche. I will begin researching and also bring this article to my therapy appointment. Finally, I applaude your critical thinking, and admire your open mindedness for that is what truly helps people.

In peace,
Liz

I am an elementary school teacher and am glad to see that the psychology supports what I have long thought to be true about my students. They are indeed not lazy. A lack of effort is generally symptomatic of larger problems.

On a personal level, it is gratifying to know that the feeling of not doing enough does not make one lazy. Now off to tackle that anxiety obstacle!

Great article, especially for those of us who've been labelled 'lazy' for many years. The sad thing is, when one doesn't know the possible reasons and explanations, one accepts it as a fact and can't find the motivation to change it. Understanding is bliss! I also look forward to the next article.

Thank you for these great posts!

Hulya

I'd like to add another psychological sap to motivation I've discovered in myself. I tend to get obsessed with completing a job. If I begin to get frustrated, the obsession can keep me trying so long that the frustration becomes severely unpleasant, throwing things, yelling, etc.... The emotional memory of this frustration can then discourage beginning work on a project. The cure is to get into the habit of recognizing the beginnings of frustration, recognizing the danger to future motivation, and consciously letting go of the obsession.