Less Lazy

Let’s start with a definition.

Laziness (also called indolence) is a disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to do so. It is often used as a pejorative; related terms for a person seen to be lazy include couch potato, slacker, and bludger.

Why do I care about laziness? Well, it’s because I hear about it all the time. People know what to do when it comes to nutrition and exercise but laziness gets in the way of taking sustainable action. They would change a behavior if they weren’t so lazy.

Laziness might truly exist but to me it’s just a word, a label and a convenient excuse that’s getting in the way. It’s time to move on. Laziness reminds me of stress. Sure it exists and it may not ever go away, but it’s all in how you handle it. It’s time to get a little less lazy.

I always say, “recognize the opportunity of inconvenience.” My clients look puzzled. I see the less lazy way as being a true gift to the natural couch potato. More movement, more confidence, more time in nature and a step away from the laziness label. Here are a few less lazy favorites. Do you have any?

• Take the stairs. Pretend as if the elevator gets stuck or reeks of cheap cologne.
• Walk or bike for errands when you’d usually drive or take public transportation. Or, try a partial walk, partial transport.
• Park as if you own a Ferrari and don’t want it to get scratched in a crowded parking lot (this doesn’t mean taking up 2 spots).
• Carry shopping bags in one at a time. It’s ok to make a few trips.
• Stop overachieving with goal setting. Don’t set a goal of running your first a marathon in 3 months if you’re sedentary. Start with something that you’ll do, and with consistency. Walk 15 minutes a day. Take the mail to the post office. Do 5 push-ups. Make it achievable.
• Earn your TV time. An hour of movement, an hour of TV.
• Just move more. Who cares what it is, just move more.
• Cook at home more often. Try to reduce your reliance on food from restaurants or take-out by 1 meal per week, to start.
• Invest in snack-sized bags and pre-portion healthy snacks the night before (or on a lazy Sunday afternoon).
• Bring a piece of fruit with you. How hard is that?

What will you do differently today to be a little less lazy?