What Does It Mean To Be Lazy? From a Recovering Perfectionist
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure https://racheldorneanu.com/disclosure-privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use/ for further information.
Feeling “lazy” can be deeply triggering for recovering perfectionists. But what if that label isn’t true at all? In this post, we’ll explore how perfectionism distorts rest, what “laziness” really signals, and how to reframe it with compassion.
💭 Why Rest Feels Like Laziness for Perfectionists
-
Productivity has been your coping skill.
-
Rest feels unfamiliar—sometimes even unsafe.
-
Your inner critic equates stillness with failure.
“If I’m not achieving, I’m not enough.”
Sound familiar?
🚩 Common Triggers That Make You Feel Lazy
-
🧠 All-or-nothing thinking: “If I’m not doing everything, I’m doing nothing.”
-
🔥 Burnout: You’re exhausted, but feel guilty for needing rest.
-
👀 Comparison trap: Everyone else seems to be doing more.
-
😨 Fear of being exposed: You work harder to prove your worth.
✨ What “Lazy” Might Actually Mean
You’re not lazy—you’re:
-
Practicing boundaries.
-
Honoring your nervous system.
-
Choosing rest on purpose.
-
Shifting from survival to sustainability.
“Lazy” is often just a sign that your nervous system is finally taking a deep breath.
🔄 Reframe the Narrative
Try asking yourself:
-
What am I needing right now that I’ve been denying?
-
What does my body feel like it’s asking for?
-
Is this discomfort from laziness—or from growth?
🧠 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Recovering
Healing from perfectionism means letting go of hustle as identity. It means rewriting how you view rest, success, and self-worth.
You are not lazy. You’re building a life that values your humanity just as much as your accomplishments.
To discuss how mentoring could help you during this season of your life, please schedule your free 15 minute consultation.