There’s No Such Thing as Lazy: Only Missing the Right Motivation

“Lazy” is a misnomer. It doesn’t really exist.

Even the laziest person will jump out of bed and sprint across the street if there’s a million dollars waiting.

When my kids say “Ein li koach” (I have no strength), which is just another way of saying, “I can’t be bothered,” I always respond:

Don’t say, “I have no strength.” Say, “Ein li ratzon” “I don’t want” or “I have no will.”

Because once you have will, the strength follows.

We all know this. A child with “no energy” will suddenly jump up if you offer them ice cream.

When you’re young, candy motivates you. When you’re older, maybe it’s money. Later, it might be honor.

The point is, you’re not lazy. You just need the right motivator.

The Talmud says, “In the way a person wants to go, they are led.” (Makkot 10b). When you find what truly drives you, the path opens.

There’s a story of a great rabbi who would place a candy on top of his Talmud, telling himself, “When I finish this page, I’ll enjoy the candy.”

That small incentive kept him going.

So what motivates you?

This week, if you’re avoiding something, link it to a reward. Finish that task and enjoy a break, a treat, or a moment of peace.

When you have the will, the strength will follow.