Vocabulary
- Blaming
- Pressures
- Procrastination
- Cope with
- Distracted
Article
People often think being “lazy” is a bad thing. In American culture, it is common for people to think that most people do not work hard enough.
According to surveys, many Americans think people today are lazier than before. Some say this view is not helpful. Instead of blaming people, some experts think it shows how society pressures everyone to be productive all the time.
Devon Price, a psychologist, says that this belief comes from a long time ago. The idea that people need to be pushed to work hard goes back to the Puritans, who thought that hard work was a sign of a good character. Today, with mobile phones and technology, people feel they should always be working, even during their free time. This can make people feel tired and stressed.
Dr. Price believes that what we call “laziness” may be a misunderstanding. He explains that when people seem unmotivated, they might actually be tired or need help, not just lazy.
While some experts agree that “laziness” is not a specific problem, they link it to procrastination. Procrastination means delaying doing something important. For example, a student with distractions may not be lazy but is not able to focus.
Experts say that causes of procrastination include stress and a lack of energy. The brain’s ability to plan is not fully developed until around age 25, which explains why younger people may struggle more with procrastination.
Being distracted by technology can make it harder to focus on tasks. Many people think they are lazy, but it could be that they just need to deal with their feelings better.
To cope with feelings of laziness, experts suggest these tips:
- Do fewer things at once.
- Be clear about what you want to accomplish.
- Make tasks enjoyable.
- Avoid distractions.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Don’t be hard on yourself.
Being kind to yourself can help you feel more productive and less stressed.
Summarize the article in your own words.
Speaking
- Are people in your culture lazy?
- Do you think your generation is lazier than your parents and grandparents generations?
- Do you enjoy being productive?
- How can people relax after work?
- Do you know anyone who is very lazy?
Writing
- Should hobbies be productive? Why or why not?
Listening
- Describe what happened in this video. What would you do?
English with Melody 