Have you ever found yourself labeled as lazy? Perhaps it was during childhood when you weren’t able to clean your room “quickly enough,” or maybe while you found yourself staring at math homework for an hour without making progress. Even in adult life, there are moments when you delay responding to an email for the umpteenth time, leading to self-doubt.
If you identify as NeuroDivergent, you may have frequently encountered this term. Society’s obsession with productivity often results in individuals being labeled as “lazy” when they cannot meet arbitrary expectations. While intentional neglect can sometimes be identified as such, broadly applying the term oversimplifies the diverse challenges faced by many.
Why Do We Equate Struggle with Laziness?
Our culture heavily emphasizes hustle. Capitalism ties our self-worth to productivity (Price, 2021); thus, the more you work, the more valuable you are seen to be. Consequently, if you require more breaks or find it hard to “just do it,” you’re quickly labeled as lazy. Yet, for many Neurodivergent individuals, this struggle isn’t a choice; it reflects the challenge of navigating a world unsuited to their cognitive processes.
Executive Dysfunction Is Not a Choice
Have you ever felt as if invisible barriers hinder you from accomplishing tasks? This is called executive dysfunction, a key characteristic of various neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism (Barkley, 2019). Executive functions are responsible for planning, task initiation, and follow-through. These challenges aren’t a matter of willpower but rather difficulties that arise when your brain is “short-circuited” and unable to shift from the thought of “I should do this” to action.
An Analogy of Bridges
Consider a bridge you need to cross. For neurotypical individuals, the bridge is stable; they simply walk across without hesitation. For NeuroDivergent individuals, however, the bridge may have missing planks, requiring them to leap over gaps and perform acrobatics to reach the other side. While observers may question why they don’t walk “like everyone else,” the reality is that the extra effort required due to these missing supports is often unseen and misunderstood.
Productivity Systems Weren’t Built for Us
Conventional productivity methods cater primarily to neurotypical brains. Suggestions like creating to-do lists can cause overwhelming pressure instead of providing clarity, and rigid schedules can feel unattainable when energy levels fluctuate. For many NeuroDivergent individuals, effective productivity is about aligning strategies with their unique cognitive needs, rather than forcing themselves into a neurotypical framework (Barkley, 2019). Helpful strategies may include working alongside a partner, gamifying tasks, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, and creating sensory-friendly environments.
Rest and Value: Redefining Worth
Many of us have internalized the belief that our value is tied to productivity, a mindset fueled by capitalism (Price, 2021). It’s crucial to recognize that human worth extends beyond what we produce. Rest should not be viewed as a luxury or reward, but as a necessity. We must shift the narrative to honor our efforts, prioritize self-care, and redefine success in a way that aligns with our needs rather than societal expectations.
Final Thoughts
Although intentional omissions may sometimes be labeled as laziness, this label is often misapplied to those who are neurodivergent. Your brain may function differently, and facing unique challenges does not make you lazy. Rather than shaming individuals for not conforming to arbitrary standards, it’s more beneficial to explore what approaches work best for them. Embrace your unique productivity style; the goal isn’t to adhere to conventional productivity norms but to create a fulfilling life.
