Laziness Does Not Exist

Are you excelling at work but exhausted at home? Do you worry you're letting people down or seem unambitious by saying no? Do you feel impossibly behind, no matter how much you get done? Do you blame yourself for not having the energy or time management skills to do more?

Do you put off starting tasks until you can do them to your perfectionistic standards? Do you create work out of thin air, then resent others for not appreciating things they never asked for? Do you extend compassion and understanding to everyone but yourself? Should I stop asking questions?

If you relate to any of the above, pick up Laziness Does Not Exist. It is an affirming and validating read that lets you off the hook for being a human being instead of a machine.

This is my kind of self-help. Not too preachy. Research-based. Offers concrete ideas and solutions to the issues it describes. But also, Dr. Price clearly acknowledges the impact of structural factors, so not all onus is placed on individuals to overcome or opt out of forces far bigger than any one of us. Instead, the focus is on what is in our control, and on asking yourself questions about your current obligations and lifestyle.

Laziness Does Not Exist emphasizes asking yourself what you need and asking others what they need, in a way that feels direct and honest, instead of corny and strange. It breaks down academic/feminist concepts about household labor like the second shift, social reproduction, and the mental load to be accessible. It looks at how unlearning judgmental stereotypes about mental illness, addiction, and homelessness can in turn help us stop judging ourselves, because compassion for others begets self-compassion. It's a pretty beautiful and useful read.

I can't say enough good things about this book, or stop recommending it to burnt out friends. It's a standout in its genre. I really enjoyed Em Grosland's audiobook narration, too. I even liked the boppy intro/outro music. Read it!