Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Photo credit: herzogbr)
What Is Lazy?
Merriam-Webster on line defines lazy:
1 a: disinclined to activity or exertion: not energetic or vigorous
b: encouraging inactivity or indolence <a lazy summer day>
3: droopy, lax <a rabbit with lazy ears>
4: placed on its side <lazy E livestock brand>
5: not rigorous or strict <lazy scholarship>
I never receive more criticism, anger, ire and/or hate filled emails directed toward me as I do when I use the word lazy, or any of its derivatives; sloth, idleness, indolence, etc…. I am often told how wrong I am in my opinion, even though it is simply my opinion.
I am very blessed to have both an academic and clinical background to call on when forming these opinions. The clinical application plays perhaps the most important role, because it allows me to see day-to-day a truism that any clinician can attest to — that which is always precise in a textbook or research lab, isn’t always the case in real life.
However, in the end it is still simply my opinion. Yet, people get angry with me, which is fine, but I don’t genuinely understand it. There are many differing theories, ideas, and yes applications of approaches concerning health, wellness, weight management, fitness, etc. — embracing one methodology doesn’t automatically discredit the tomes of available information that may not agree.
There are people out there who simply must have me, or my viewpoint, be incorrect to justify theirs.
Why?
Once again my view is just that, my view, and I am well aware that people will have differing viewpoints, some which are flat-out contradictory. Big deal! I don’t require someone to be wrong, for me to be correct in my thinking. My level of confidence doesn’t require another to be erroneous; actually, my confidence allows me to accept a contradictory viewpoint.
But back to the topic — What is lazy?
When I mention laziness, I am usually referring to definitions 1 and 5, because they most accurately apply to me. Yes, I admit it; I have a propensity towards laziness. At this point in my life, I am very in touch with my weaknesses, and laziness is unfortunately one of them. The demon indolence most often rears its slothful head when I am overweight and out of shape — that is why I write so much about it. It holds me back from achieving much more than only fitness goals, and giving into it means failure in much more than being fit.
That is why I don’t live by the mantra simply do what feels right. If that were the case, I would be completely undisciplined, eating to my heart’s content, and laying homeless on a beach somewhere. Wait a minute —- that doesn’t sound too …. never mind.
The facts are that I choose to exercise, I choose to eat properly and I choose not to allow obstacles stop me.
If I did whatever I felt; I wouldn’t wake up at the hour I do to go out and jog, then head to the gym to heft iron weights for various sets and repetitions — I would simply sleep until the last possible minute, hit a drive thru, plod through my day at work, eat fast food for lunch and dinner, go home and go to bed.
My lifestyle choices aren’t about weight management; they are about fitness and even more importantly, good health. It is my view that nothing promotes better health than being physically well-conditioned. Likewise, one can’t achieve their optimal fitness by doing a half-assed workout
Image via CrunchBase
routine whenever they feel like it. The way to achieve one’s own ideal fitness is the same way we achieve and fulfill any ambition —- consistent,sustained and unrelenting hard work.
LeBron James didn’t earn another MVP award by practicing only when the mood hit him; Steve Jobs didn’t turn Apple into a dominant business by only showing up at his office whenever it struck his fancy; Ernest Hemingway didn’t become one of the great novelist of his time by writing one hundred or so words each week — no, each of the preceding people didn’t rely solely on their natural talents and gifts, they disciplined themselves to work hard at their chosen craft.
American Author Ernest Hemingway aboard his Yacht around 1950 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If excellence is important to us, we must make the time to strive for it; we commit the hours, efforts and resources — why wouldn’t one desire to take the same approach to improving their fitness?
Laziness is an attitude that can be driven by many factors — poor physical condition, fear, and guilt among others — unfortunately, for many, denying laziness by downplaying it as a factor in our physical decline, is more of an excuse for failure, than accepting personal responsibility for success.
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http://www.amazon.com/Obesity-Undone-Beyond-Weight-Edition/dp/1477624333
https://www.createspace.com/3903024
Physical Culturist and Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book, “Obesity Undone” and a contributor to NaturallySavvy.com and CarbSmart.com. He is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcast or television outlet.
He has appeared on 94.3FM’s The David Maderia Show, What’s Weighing You Down, w/Dr. Marilyn Gansel on FTNS radio, Nurture and Nutrition on Blog Talk Radio, Low Carb Conversations with Jimmy Moore and Friends, BlogTalk Radio’s Toni Harris Speaks, Internet Radio: Cathie’s Talking, TV -35′s Storm Politics with Tiffany Cloud, WILK’s The Sue Henry Show, Magic 93′s Frankie In The Morning, WBRE’s PA Live, SSPTV’s News 13, Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast; and the one and only Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast.
Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at docjoeleonardi@betterlifeseminars.com and check out his website http://www.obesityundone.com/
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************The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder. The posting and videos do not apply to those with an underlying medical or hormonal condition. I advise anyone embarking on a weight loss and fitness plan to have a thorough medical evaluation. You want to be sure that you are physically able to exercise and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions No guarantees are made or to be implied.************
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