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Ah, the art of being lazy.
Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday, your to-do list is longer than the Appalachian Trail, and you have two massive assignments due before midnight. The clock ticks menacingly, but there’s something comforting about the pitter-patter of rain and your couch calling your name. The question arises: Can you be lazy…and still be successful?
The Lazy Worker Myth
Let’s get one thing straight: being lazy doesn’t mean you aren’t working hard—it means you’re working smart. Think of it as strategic laziness. The misconception that lazy people don’t accomplish anything is outdated. Have you ever seen someone fire off an email on their phone while lying in bed or “attend” a Zoom meeting with the camera off while folding laundry? That’s productivity, my friend, in a robe and fuzzy slippers.
Procrastination: Friend or Foe?
We’ve all been there. Procrastination is a close cousin of laziness, but it can sometimes work in your favor. Nothing lights a fire under you like a looming deadline. Why spend a week writing an essay when you can churn out a perfectly decent one in a caffeine-fueled, 11th-hour burst of genius? However, use this power wisely—this kind of stress isn’t sustainable (and trust me, coffee only carries you so far).
Automation: The Lazy Professional’s Dream
The ultimate lazy tool is automation. Why do something manually when you can get a bot, script, or app to do it for you? Salesforce? Trailhead? Boom, automated workflows! And sure, it may take a few hours upfront to set up, but then you’re golden. So, while it seems lazy to push a button and walk away, you’re actually freeing up time for the important things, like staring at the rain, contemplating the meaning of life and maybe finishing those assignments.
Maximizing Breaks for Peak Laziness
Work hard, nap hard. Successful lazy people understand the importance of taking strategic breaks. Instead of working non-stop, adopt the “pomodoro” technique. Work for 25 minutes, then reward yourself with a five-minute break. During the break, you can embrace full lazy mode: scroll social media, stare out the window, or take a micro-nap. By working in intervals, you’re not just lazy—you’re efficient. That’s right, you’re a productivity ninja in lazy pants.
The Fine Line: Lazy vs. Burnt Out
Sometimes, what feels like laziness is actually burnout in disguise. Maybe that heavy sigh when you open your laptop isn’t laziness but a sign that you need a breather. Listen to your inner lazy self—it might be telling you to slow down before you hit a wall. There’s a difference between taking a well-deserved lazy day and ignoring tasks until they become a problem (like, say, two assignments due before midnight).
Embrace Your Inner Lazy Genius
So, can you be professionally lazy? Absolutely. As long as you’re meeting deadlines, keeping things moving, and not driving yourself crazy in the process, laziness can be your secret weapon. Rainy days like today are made for a perfect balance of lounging and low-key productivity. With some smart shortcuts and a bit of procrastination, you might just become the most successful lazy person around.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have two assignments waiting for a last-minute miracle.
~
author: Kristie Whitfield - Denz
Image: @giselle_dekel/Instagram
Editor: Molly Murphy
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