Procrastination and laziness are based in our genetics, and you can be predisposed to both, says Sharad Paul, MD, author of The Genetics Of Health: Understand Your Genes for Better Health. While procrastination seems like a character flaw, it evolved for a reason.
Many of the individual differences in cognition, motivation, and learning—and the disruption of these processes in neurological conditions—are influenced by genetic factors.
Laziness isn't something we're born with. It's a behavior we learned along the way. To become mentally tough, we need to overcome obstacles such as the bad habits we've learned that are keeping us from achieving our goals.
Studies of motivation suggest that laziness may be caused by a decreased level of motivation, which in turn can be caused by over-stimulation or excessive impulses or distractions. These increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for reward and pleasure.
The best-known study on the topic found that almost half (46%) of the variance in procrastination can be attributed to genetic factors, as opposed to environmental ones. However, other studies, including by the same researchers, found lower estimates of heritability, such as 40%, 28%, and 22%.
You are NOT born a procrastinator; you are NOT the product of “bad genes” from your parents. You LEARN procrastination as a way of life, to avoid responsibility, to complete or begin tasks.
Science supports laziness
On average, people who are less physically active tend to be brainier than physically active people, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology.
Dr Tugnait says depression or anxiety can lead to feeling of lethargy and apathy. The expert says a person with low self-esteem is also at risk of feeling lazy all the time as they may believe they are not capable of accomplishing anything and may lack any sense of purpose.
Laziness may be a momentary state or an issue of character, but it is not a psychological disorder. Further, if you're concerned you might be lazy, ask yourself if you're feeling deeply sad, have disengaged from things you used to love, and are having problems with sleep, energy levels, or your ability to concentrate.
There's no simple cure for being lazy. The only way to overcome it is by setting your mind to the task and getting up and completing it. Start right now to develop the self-discipline you need to reach your goals.
If these psychological reasons don't explain your laziness, you may be interested to know that the problem may lie in your genes. The newly discovered “coach-potato gene” produces a protein in the dopamine system of the brain, making some people less inclined to do physical activity.
Conclusion. Laziness is characterized by a diminished level of energy, activity, and motivation. On one hand, it is cited as a personality trait that explains the occurrence of distinct but related concepts like procrastination and idleness.
Internal motivation isn't something we “develop” or “mature into.” It is wired into us from birth. Most importantly, when any of us – young or old – achieve what it is we want, we feel a sense of satisfaction that cannot be matched by any external reward.
The low motivation sometimes experienced by people with ADHD is just one of many symptoms associated with this condition.
Laziness can be caused by a number of things, for instance, a lack of motivation, no clear direction or interests, or even a feeling of overwhelm. There is also our evolutionary trait. We are hardwired to preserve our energy and lay low.
Low motivation can be a common symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. You can practice self-help and self-care as much as you can, but you may find that seeking professional help is more helpful for your emotions. Online therapy is beneficial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A lack of motivation is a common symptom of depression. It can also be linked to other mental illnesses, like anxiety. So it's important to consider whether your mental health may be affecting your motivation level.
Recap: 4 Reasons highly intelligent people fail
They are born into bad circumstances, poverty, a toxic family, a lack of resources and opportunities. They suffer from mental illness, which creates myriad other barriers to career advancement and better paychecks. They lack people skills or are arrogant.
Lazy people see endless possibilities and avenues that have not been explored so they hone in and conquer! Their planning and decision making skills are advanced because they expend most of their time daydreaming which allows them to carefully reflect on how to achieve what they want or review their decisions.
Procrastination is a common behavior in people with ADHD. While everyone procrastinates sometimes, evidence indicates that people with ADHD may be more likely to procrastination often or on a daily basis. With work and practice, the tendency to procrastinate can be reduced.
They say that there are four main types of avoidance archetypes, or procrastinators: the performer, the self-deprecator, the overbooker, and the novelty seeker. Figuring out which group you're in can help you break out of your procrastination patterns — and maybe even turn in something early.
Studies show young people are more likely to procrastinate than older age groups. In fact, many people seem to outgrow procrastination as they mature. A 2016 study that analyzed procrastination in several different age groups found that procrastination was highest in 14-to-29-year-olds, the youngest age group studied.