Am You Lazy… Or Just Burnt Out?

You know that feeling where you just can’t bring yourself to do anything? Even the simple stuff feels like climbing a hill in the dark. And then, to make it worse, this little voice starts whispering, “You’re probably just being lazy.”

I used to believe that voice.

But over time, I’ve learned that what I often thought was laziness… was actually burnout. If you’re wondering the same, here are a few gentle questions that have helped me figure out what’s really going on:

1. Is this task hard because I don’t care… or because I care too much?

Sometimes we procrastinate because we’re indifferent. We don't care. But often, it’s the opposite—we care very much. We want to do a good job, but we’re exhausted, foggy, or afraid we’ll mess it up. That kind of paralysis isn’t laziness. It’s pressure. And pressure without rest leads to burnout.

2. Am I resting… and still not feeling better?

Laziness usually lifts with a little motivation. Burnout doesn’t. If you’ve rested, taken time off, or tried doing “nothing” for a while—but still feel flat, heavy, or unmotivated—your body might be asking for deeper recovery. Not a nap. A real pause.

3. Do I feel guilty no matter what I do?

Guilt often tags along with burnout. You’re too tired to be productive, but can’t relax either. You feel bad for not doing more, yet have nothing left to give. That’s not laziness. That’s depletion.

So… what now?

If any of this sounds familiar, please know: you’re not broken. And you don’t need to “try harder.” You likely need rest. Gentleness. Permission to do less, without shame.

Some things that could help?

Letting “enough” be enough: I always say it, even one small step counts.

Doing things that rejuvenate you, not just distract: Not endless scrolling—but walks, journaling, prayer, or even letting yourself cry when you need to.

When It Might Be Time to Step Away From Work:

Sometimes, even with boundaries, your body and mind are clearly saying: “I need more than this.”

If you’re waking up with dread, crying during lunch breaks, or feeling numb at your desk, it might be time to take a more intentional pause. That doesn’t mean disappearing or quitting recklessly—but it might mean speaking to your boss, adjusting your workload, or scheduling real time off to rest and recalibrate.

And if you’re self-employed, it might mean stepping back from certain tasks or expectations to protect your wellbeing. Your health is not a disruption to your success—it’s so important!

Hope this helped you.