12 Bad Habits That Make People Lazy

Laziness is something I’ve struggled with at different points in my life. It’s that feeling where I know I should be doing something productive, but I just can’t find the energy or motivation to do it.

Instead, I procrastinate, put off tasks, or avoid responsibilities altogether. But here’s the thing—laziness isn’t necessarily about being “lazy” by nature.

Sometimes, laziness stems from small habits that quietly sneak into our routines and drain our motivation. Honestly, it took me days to finish this blog because I kept putting it off!

The good news? Once I identified these habits, I started making changes. And thankfully, those changes helped me finish this blog!

So, let me share the 12 habits that I’ve found to fuel laziness and how you can avoid them.

1. Procrastinating Regularly

I used to be the king of procrastination. “I’ll do it later” was practically my motto.

But what I realized is that when I kept putting things off, my to-do list piled up and felt overwhelming. Procrastination drains your energy and makes it harder to get started.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Break tasks into smaller steps: Completing quick, manageable tasks builds momentum and prevents overwhelm.
• Set a timer: I give myself 10 minutes to start, and often, I end up finishing more than expected.

2. Not Setting Goals

When I didn’t have clear goals, I noticed I was less motivated. If I didn’t know what I was working toward, why bother putting in the effort?

By setting specific, achievable goals, I gave myself a reason to push through the laziness.

Whether it’s daily, weekly, or long-term goals, having a target helps me stay on track.

3. Skipping Exercise

Exercise is very important. One of the bad habits that made me lazier than I realized was skipping physical activity.

I thought that sitting on the couch all day was relaxing, but it actually made me feel sluggish.

Once I started incorporating even small amounts of exercise into my routine, I noticed my energy levels improved.

Here’s what helped me get moving:

• Start with short workouts: Even a 10-minute walk can make a big difference in boosting energy.
• Incorporate movement into daily tasks: Simple activities like stretching while watching TV or taking the stairs add up over time.

4. Poor Sleeping Habits

I used to stay up late scrolling through my phone, thinking I was relaxing, but it left me feeling tired and drained the next day.

Let’s face it, poor sleep makes it harder to focus and be productive. I’ve learned that getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining energy and motivation throughout the day.

I highly recommend reading the "Sleep Deprived Nation: Why Sleep Matters" by Don Nardo explores the critical impact of sleep on our physical and mental well-being.

This book highlights how modern lifestyles contribute to widespread sleep deprivation

• Reveals the hidden dangers of chronic sleep deprivation and its effects on health.
• Provides actionable tips to create healthier sleep habits in a fast-paced world.

5. Spending Too Much Time on Social Media

Social media is a big-time sink for me, and it’s easy to get sucked into mindlessly scrolling for hours.

What I noticed is that after spending too much time on social media, I felt more disconnected and unmotivated.

Limiting my screen time has helped me stay focused on more productive activities.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Set time limits: I use app timers to control how long I spend on social media each day.
• Replace scrolling with hobbies: Instead of scrolling, I read, journal, or go for a walk to reset my mind.

6. Avoiding Responsibilities

Whenever I ignored responsibilities, like paying bills or doing household chores, I thought I was “avoiding stress.”

In reality, I was just creating more stress for later. Taking care of small tasks as they come up prevents them from turning into big problems and keeps laziness at bay.

7. Overeating or Eating Unhealthy Foods

I never realized how much my diet impacted my motivation until I started paying closer attention.

Eating heavy, unhealthy foods left me feeling tired, sluggish, and unmotivated to get things done.

Once I switched to a healthier diet with lighter, more balanced meals, my energy levels improved significantly. I felt more energized and much less tempted to lounge around after eating.

8. Not Having a Daily Routine

Without a daily routine, my days used to feel chaotic, and I had no structure to keep me moving forward.

By establishing a simple routine with time blocks for work, exercise, and relaxation, I found it easier to stay productive.

I found the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey very powerful books that teach you how to build daily routines, personal growth and success.

• Clear outlines the science of habit formation and how to make lasting improvements.
• Covey emphasizes principles like proactivity and time management for greater personal effectiveness.

This book is incredibly easy to read, captivating, and will truly inspire you to get motivated.

9. Giving in to Instant Gratification

We live in a world where everything is available instantly—from online shopping to food delivery. The constant availability of instant gratification made me lazy, as I didn't have to put in any effort.

To break free from this cycle, I shifted my focus toward long-term rewards and practiced delayed gratification.

This change helped me build more discipline and stay motivated for the bigger picture.

Here’s what helped me shift my mindset:

• Set long-term goals: I now break big tasks into smaller, rewarding milestones.
• Create a reward system: I only allow myself treats or breaks after completing significant tasks.

10. Being Around Negative Influences

The people I surrounded myself with had a big impact on my motivation. When my friends or coworkers were lazy or unmotivated, it was easy for me to fall into the same habits.

I realized I’d rather be on my own than surrounded by people who didn’t inspire productivity.

So, I made a change and started spending more time with driven, hardworking individuals. Their energy and motivation rubbed off on me, helping me stay focused and productive.

11. Multitasking

I used to believe multitasking made me more productive, but it only caused me to do things poorly and finish nothing.

Now, by focusing on one task at a time, I get things done more efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.

The book Atomic Habits by James Clear provides valuable insights on how to break down tasks into smaller, manageable work and increase productivity.

By focusing on one task at a time, you build consistency and discipline, which leads to better results.

• Focus on building small, consistent habits to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
• Use habit stacking to link new tasks with existing routines for better productivity.

The book is easy to read, engaging, and full of practical advice to help you implement lasting changes in your life.

12. Making Excuses

This was a big one for me. I’d tell myself, “I’m too tired,” or “I’ll start tomorrow,” and use these excuses to avoid getting things done.

The more I made excuses, the lazier I became. Now, I try to catch myself whenever I start making excuses and remind myself that action is better than inaction.

Wrap Up: Breaking Free from Laziness

Recognizing these habits was the first step for me in breaking free from laziness.

Once I saw how these behaviors were holding me back, I could start making small changes.

One way to avoid laziness is by creating a hobby that sparks your creativity. This helps you focus and spend time productively.

For me, I explored my creativity through drawing and even started a business selling stickers on Etsy.

Another great way to avoid laziness is by reading motivational books that inspire you or diving into books about topics you’re passionate about.

Reading is a powerful hobby that entertains while also helping you learn and grow. Check out our book recommendations for some great ideas on what to read next.

I hope this has helped you understand laziness and how to avoid it. Always remember to set goals and stay motivated. Keep up the hard work!

Leah Espinosa

Blogger

A single mom of 4 who loves productivity, marketing, and selling. Passionate about cooking, storytelling, and finding inner peace in every life’s adventures.