# If I wasn't a lazy bum I could do anything. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 18, 2004, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950 "2004-06-18T00:06:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/1 "2004-06-18T00:06:19Z")
Ever get that feeling that you know you could be living the life of your dreams but for your damn procrastinatory laziness? I have that feeling now. When I put my mind to something I can blow said mind (surprise myself). I know I am intelligent, and I know I feel power when I get those rare flashes of motivation. With the money I get paid (I don’t mean to brag, honest, I am just making a point) I could be living the dream batchellor lifestyle. I could have a decent car, a house of my own, an interesting hobby (archery, martial arts), a collection of personal projects on the go (programming, writing, 3d authoring) But no I sit here slowly getting fat and old in my parent’s house being miserable and synical (my high wage job can’t last. it’s just too good to possibly last. There is no way I am that lucky or even deserving) ---
**Author:** ![pizzabrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/2 "2004-06-18T00:10:22Z")
Eh. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/3 "2004-06-18T00:11:10Z")
P.S. I am not moaning or looking for sympathy, just musing. ---
**Author:** ![pizzabrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/4 "2004-06-18T00:12:39Z")
Seriously, you know the problem, so just fix it. Write down what you want to do so that its not just some fluid, flitting whim in the back of your head, and then invest in some tangible artifact to remind you of your goals. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/5 "2004-06-18T00:15:58Z")
> [@pizzabrat](#): > > Seriously, you know the problem, so just fix it. Write down what you want to do so that its not just some fluid, flitting whim in the back of your head, and then invest in some tangible artifact to remind you of your goals. I always write it down (whatever it happens to be at the time). And then I see it a day later and think “you sad git, what were you thinking”. The _problem_ is that I am a procrastinator. The problem of being a procrastinator (sp?) renders the solution to the problem non-existent (catch 22) ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/6 "2004-06-18T00:16:03Z")
Yeah, I know the feeling, one thing that helps me is getting involved in interesting stuff that include a deadline. 😃 Nothing better to get moving that the night-before feeling of “holy shit I´ve got to have this done by next morning!” ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/7 "2004-06-18T00:17:49Z")
It’s like when your arms fall off. You have no arms with which to pick them up and re-attach. (what? I saw it on futurama. stop looking at me that way) ---
**Author:** ![LonesomePolecat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a88e57/32.png) [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/8 "2004-06-18T00:19:53Z")
And as long as you’re livin’ rent free with the folks, pullin’ down \* beaucoups \* bucks, and don’t seem to have any major expenses, stick as much money as you possibly can into savings, both short and long term. Some day you’ll be glad you did. Trust me on this one. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/9 "2004-06-18T00:24:05Z")
> [@LonesomePolecat](#): > > And as long as you’re livin’ rent free with the folks, pullin’ down \* beaucoups \* bucks, and don’t seem to have any major expenses, stick as much money as you possibly can into savings, both short and long term. Some day you’ll be glad you did. Trust me on this one. I have a personal pention, but only because my dad bugged and bugged me to get one. The lack of job security doesn’t fill me with joy about the fact that I am building a pension. (My job is rock solid safe, for as long as the company is safe, which it isn’t) (I’ts all ‘me’ ‘me’ ‘me’ with you **Lobsang**. Shut the fuck up) ---
**Author:** ![leander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bcef8e/32.png) [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/10 "2004-06-18T00:33:48Z")
IMHO, I have found that people in your position are either (a) deep-down happy about their life and position, or (b) afraid of making a change. Getting off your ass really isn’t that hard. I think you know this. What’s hard is what happens next, and how you deal with that. Maybe you really enjoy the life you have – and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s easy, comfortable, and low-risk. Sounds pretty good to a lot of people. But if you REALLY, REALLY want something more, then you will eventually strive for that. It’s just a question of how much you want it, when you want it, and whether you can face whatever fears are holding you back. ---
**Author:** ![leander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bcef8e/32.png) [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/11 "2004-06-18T00:41:52Z")
And let me add one more thing, if I may… This “feeling” that you get, is it the occasional bout of self-criticism, or is this something you feel deep-down, something which seriously tears at your self-esteem? If it’s the latter, then I think you know what you have to do. (Again, just my 2 pence…) ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/12 "2004-06-18T00:43:08Z")
There are parts of my life that make me feel good/happy. For instance doing my job well and being respected and admired by colleagues for my technical knowhow. But there are times when I get this picture in my head of myself sitting in the oak furnished living room of a large old house, with classical music playing (the same that I am _actually_ playing on my computer at the time) with a glass of some expensive spirit in my hand, and an air of self satisfaction in my head. Can someone please ban me from making threads about myself?! ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/13 "2004-06-18T01:04:34Z")
I know what you mean. I feel pretty much the same way except I can’t even come up with any definite goals to not work towards. (I still wonder how Bender was able to flush himself…) ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/14 "2004-06-18T01:08:30Z")
> [@leander](#): > > And let me add one more thing, if I may… > > This “feeling” that you get, is it the occasional bout of self-criticism, or is this something you feel deep-down, something which seriously tears at your self-esteem? > > If it’s the latter, then I think you know what you have to do. > > (Again, just my 2 pence…) Somewhere inbetween. The knowledge/feeling that I could be doing more with my life is permanent. But it is not debilitating. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/15 "2004-06-18T01:11:51Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > But there are times when I get this picture in my head of myself sitting in the oak furnished living room of a large old house, with classical music playing (the same that I am _actually_ playing on my computer at the time) with a glass of some expensive spirit in my hand, and an air of self satisfaction in my head. You have to start small. The glass of spirits should be within reach, although you might have to settle for something inexspensive. The feeling of satisfaction should follow shortly. Seriously, though, just try to make small improvements to your lifestyle now and then. Maybe a hobby to get you out of the house once in a while. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/16 "2004-06-18T01:30:11Z")
You sound depressed, **Lobsang**. Really. Last year, I felt down on myself for similar reasons. I was surrounded by people with “lives” but I didn’t have one. I couldn’t think of any serious hobbies that I had. I also felt like I wasn’t learning anything and that all my fancy education was worthless. My life was just school and home in front of the computer and then bed. Depressing. I didn’t set any deadlines or make any grandiose lists, but I made little changes to my life that have made me feel so much better about myself. I got into history by checking out cheap textbooks from [half.com](http://half.com), and started reading snitches and snatches whenever I could. Now I’m a fountain of random historical facts. Last spring, I bought a keyboard and reintroduced myself to music. Now I’m good enough so that I’m going to record a song for my dad and send it to him for Father’s Day. I also found a hobby that has expanded me professionally and intellectually: tree taxanomy. This “hobby” just go me hired by a forestry firm for short-term project. They don’t seem to care that I’m a marine biologist by training and that I’ve never taken a single dendrology course. I taught myself what I know about trees, and apparently that was sufficient. All within a year’s time. If you had told me a year ago that in a year I’d be a piano-playing, tree-hugging, history fangirl, I would have laughed. I still live in a roach hotel and don’t socialize very much, but the quality of my life has improved so much. All you have to do is just do something, even if it’s as small as taking a walk.\* \*That’s actually how I got into trees. When you go walking, letting your mind go blank for long stretches of time, you start noticing things about your environment that you wouldn’t otherwise notice. For me, it was trees and herbacious weeds. (Yes, I already know. I’m weird.) ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/17 "2004-06-18T02:29:17Z")
Get a depression screening, Lobsang. Sounds like you can afford the medication. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/18 "2004-06-18T02:32:38Z")
My parents told me i would never amount to anything because i was a proscrastinator. I told them, “You just wait…” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/19 "2004-06-18T02:48:43Z")
I’ve figured out the solution to the world’s energy problems via what essentially amounts to a massive scientific breakthrough. It just would be a pain in the ass to get it up and going. Plus, I’d need to learn how to use a lathe. It’s just easier to read the pit. You ever get home from work and sleep straight through until the next morning? Like 12 or more hours? That rocks. I usually need to do that at least once every few months. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Long\_Road](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b5a626/32.png) [@The\_Long\_Road](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Long_Road)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950/20 "2004-06-18T03:41:38Z")
> [@NurseCarmen](#): > > You ever get home from work and sleep straight through until the next morning? Like 12 or more hours? I usually find doing that sucks. You go home and wake up to go back to work. Unless the sleep is filled with great sex dreams, it can be depressing. Regarding procrastination, it’s the only smart thing to do. It makes no difference if you procrastinate or get up and do the best job possible as soon as you can. Either way you will eventually die and be forgotten. Might as well relax. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-wasnt-a-lazy-bum-i-could-do-anything/250950.md?page=2)