INTPs are hard-working when they find something they love and will dedicate their attention towards.
Unfortunately, our society seems to make little to no room for these curious individuals.
They are hunter-gatherers in a farmer society, and so many things seem pointless. This is one
of the main reasons why INTPs are seen as lazy people. They tend to disregard things in life
that they consider ‘unimportant’ or ‘useless’ but are necessary to the average person.
Their actions must be motivated by strong, meaningful reasons.
INTPs can be so absorbed by their own interests that they can even forget to do mundane tasks and
leave everything until the last minute like paying bills, meeting deadlines, and making to-do lists.
No information is retained indefinitely, and they are programmed to rewire their thinking
in response to new information. They're always deducing and clarifying. As soon
as they've sufficiently proven something, the subject as a whole receives a strong imprint.
The fine details start to become less visible, so this eliminates the need for them to reassess its
credentials until new details become apparent. Many Intuitives, not just INTPs, are often
mocked for their grand aspirations and well-intentioned efforts, and these can
be even misinterpreted as a form of incompetence, with people questioning their individual merit.
While pursuing a goal, INTPs are open to new possibilities as they arise.
Those who are lazy could choose not to carry out the task simply for a reason
that arises during the execution of a plan.
This is a highly noticeable occurrence for those in the INTP's social circle. As soon as someone
notices it once, they'll start noticing it all the time. It’s basically confirmation bias.
Another reason why INTPs are considered lazy is that they are perfectionists when it comes
to their own goals and will avoid pursuing goals that cannot be executed perfectly.
A lot of INTPs are perfectionists. They probably don’t even realize it themselves,
and other people don’t either. They’re essentially afraid that the end product won’t be good enough,
so they don’t put a lot of their effort into it. There’s this belief that ‘if you put in your full
effort and you get a bad result, then basically your full effort is going
to be a reflection of a bad result’. So a lot of INTPs end up never giving
their all because they don’t want to have this weak result reflecting who they are.
INTPs want to feel good instantly! When they procrastinate, it’s because they are trying
to avoid negative feelings. They choose to not do something because they don’t want to
feel the discomfort. Their thoughts create their feelings, and their feelings create their actions.
If they think negative thoughts, they feel negative emotions,
and because they don’t want to feel those negative emotions,
they try to avoid them by procrastinating, not living actively, and hiding away.
Humans have this natural tendency to chase novelties! But they also have a natural
tendency to preserve their energy and not move a finger. However, it doesn't mean you need to
become a potato anchored to your couch. You are a human being and you have the choice.
Consider these tips: #7 Give yourself time.
You need to give your routine a chance to become a habit. Consistently following a
particular routine for a week, two weeks, or even months doesn't make it become a habit.
#6 An interruption is just an interruption. A long break, a vacation, or a busy period at work
or school may suddenly weaken the habit. The habit then becomes rusty, but it's not like you need to
rebuild the routine up from scratch again. It just needs some attention and dedication on your part
to bring it back to its previous shape. #5 It's not a sin to change the routine.
Your habits are powerful tools, and they are just tools. A tool serves a specific purpose.
If there is a better way to achieve this purpose, or if circumstances prevent you from continuing
the routine, stop it or change it! #4 Be intrinsically motivated.
People often try to build new habits on a whim without any strategy or tactics.
This motivation dissipates as soon as the initial excitement evaporates.
But employ the right kind of motivation, a deep reason to do something, and it will be very easy
to stick with your habits even for years! #3 Recognize wrong motivations.
There is one clear signal that your motivation is wrong from the very beginning - you have to
force yourself to perform your routine! Yeah, you may be trying your hardest to
consistently follow the routine, but somehow, you still find yourself avoiding, procrastinating and
postponing it. When you do it, you feel repulsion. These signs indicate that those kinds of habits
will have a very low survival rate. #2 Define your ‘why’.
A routine serves some goal. What is it for you? Putting your motivation on paper may clarify why
you started this routine in the first place. Then, when boredom and temptation strike,
refer back to your stated purpose. Is it still valid? If yes, press on.
#1 Identify with your routine. Your identity is a powerful tool
in sticking to your habits. When your identity is at stake, you will do whatever it takes.
Troubles with continuing your habit often boil down to your motivation.
Don't depend on the sudden adrenaline rush that comes from the novelty. Think your motivation
over, and use deep reasons as the fuel for your habits, not fickle feelings. Make sure you give
yourself enough time to develop a habit. And when you break a streak and manage to revive the habit,
remember to celebrate the return of your habit to your life!