Trask Avenue

Note: This was written last year as part of a Big Project held by the terrific folks over at Utata. The premise was to write an essay describing where you lived. You could approach this broad topic anyway you desired. The essay had to be accompanied by three to six original photos which supported the words. I wrote a five part essay. Here’s part four.

motivated sloth

Motivated Sloth
I’ve never understood boredom. I don’t mean those fleeting instances trying to plug a stray 10 minutes. I’m talking about sustained periods of time when smart people, blessed with good lives and sound health, cannot conquer their tedium. Their helplessness is so pronounced and self-pitying. Frankly, I’m tempted to grab a large mallet and whack some sense into them.

The “I’m bored” argument is habitually framed with “not” – not having enough money, not being in the right place, not having friends available, not having new ideas. You know what? “Not” is not good enough. With a pinch of creativity and dash of ingenuity anyone can fill empty hours. However, if the argument is framed with “I can think of many things to do, but I’m too lazy…”, now we’re talking.

Lazy comes calling if what I do (or, actually, don’t do) affects only me. When I’m alone an internal war erupts between the rebel forces of the “Doers” battalion and the hometown lads of the “Comfy Sofa” regiment. The Doers insistently point to the clock and stress precious seconds are zipping by, seconds I-will-never-get-back. The Comfys blithely point to the coffee table and its cadre of remote controls and fun magazines. God love ‘em, the Doers fight the good fight. But my loyalties far too often fall with the Comfys.

Oh, given the right circumstances I will join forces with the Doers. Tell me my languid behavior impacts someone else, my lack of progress disturbs other people’s plans (even in the smallest way) and the guns start blazing. Suddenly, I’m Roosevelt on San Juan Hill! My abrupt motivation has little, if anything, to do with personal fulfillment. It comes from the prospect my inertia blocks others from moving forward. It’s that simple.

This “lazy for me/motivated for others” dichotomy may seem strange to an outside observer – and I’m sure I could fund a psychologist’s vacation home if I chose – but I see it as just another happy-go-lucky trip through the diverse neighborhoods of me.

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Part 1: Creative Logician
Part 2:  Dreaming Realist
Part 3: Outgoing Introvert