Maybe the problem isn’t that you’re lazy.
Maybe you’re just exhausted.
Well… who knows?
Many of us rely heavily on willpower to get things done. We fight for discipline and focus, and when we fall short, we turn on ourselves quickly, accusing ourselves of laziness or an inability to follow through. It feels easier to label ourselves than to pause and ask what’s actually going on.
But exhaustion changes things.
If you don’t learn to plan your tasks around your biological clock, disappointment will keep repeating itself. Funny how, because of my studies, my plans often change unexpectedly. I manage the changes, but I still get tired. And sometimes, when I finally want to work on other things I care about, I feel like a fraud. Other times, I spend far too long on what should have been a simple task.
That’s the thing about being tired, it always shows up in your work.
Exhaustion affects cognition. It affects focus. And since focus is required for certain tasks, scheduling them for when you’re already drained is almost pointless. When you’re tired, you naturally gravitate toward easier, more pleasurable activities like watching movies, doomscrolling, or anything that feels light.
This isn’t because you’re lazy.
Your mind just wants a break.
And because these activities have become your usual way to wind down, repetition keeps calling them back again and again.
One way to navigate this is intentional planning.
Know the non-negotiables of your day and what can be adjusted. A to-do list and a checklist work well for me, they help me see my progress, and that alone is encouraging. But beyond lists, task placement matters. Put mentally demanding work where your energy is highest.
Starting with lighter tasks may not work for your day; ending with them might. Learn to embrace what works for you. If you don’t plan your day well, exhaustion will plan it for you, and when that happens, you’ll find yourself doing exactly what you didn’t intend to do.
Plan for tiredness too.
Plan the walk.
Plan the nap.
Plan the quiet reading time.
If rest isn’t planned, you’ll likely be shocked and disappointed again.
Exhaustion weakens willpower.
It’s normal to feel tired toward evening or night, but when work is still stacked in front of you, start with a productive break, not one spent on social media. Time on social media should be a treat, not a break. You could also take a look at your plan and adjust what needs adjusting so you can still do quality work.
And plan to rest.
Rest is not weakness.
Many young people are living with serious sleep deficits. They’ve worked themselves thin, and their minds are quietly screaming burnout. And you cannot consistently produce quality work when you’re always exhausted.
Movement matters too.
Incorporate exercise into your schedule and watch things change. Many students sit for long hours studying, reading, even working remotely. Exercise has been scientifically shown to increase dopamine levels, among other benefits, which directly impacts motivation and focus.
Newsflash! When you’re exhausted, mentally demanding work is usually the first thing you defer.
So, the next time you’re about to label yourself lazy, pause.
Ask a better question first: Am I tired?
And please don’t diagnose yourself using another person’s energy.
If you’re feeling persistently exhausted, overwhelmed, or burnt out, reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. Care Nest encourages help-seeking and community care.
By Princess Nwaobi