Here are the 3 main takeaways:
1. Laziness is not a character flaw. Laziness can be a result of emotional issues creating mental distractions, a fixed mindset creating false mental ceiling, a lack of purpose or tasks that are too hard for our “mental muscles”.
2. Our brain is naturally “lazy”. It avoids effortful tasks because it tries to conserve energy. Critical (deep) thinking is especially effortful for the brain as it requires a greater amount of attention stamina and working memory, hence we should train these skills early. This may also explain why many students find short-term rote memorizing easier than gaining understanding for long-term learning and application.
3. 8 strategies to manage “laziness” are discussed:
- Evaluate the learner’s unique brain profile
- Resolve emotional issues
- Nurture a growth mindset
- Give autonomy
- Create purpose
- Break down tasks into small steps
- Build routines
- Train a fit brain, especially attention stamina and working memory
