Updated by Molly S. on 2/17/25

Feeling unmotivated at work? It’s easy to mistake burnout for laziness, but they stem from very different causes. Burnout is the result of chronic stress and exhaustion, while laziness often comes from a lack of engagement or clarity. Here’s how to tell the difference and fix it.

1. Recognize the Signs

Burnout feels like emotional and physical exhaustion, reduced performance, and detachment from work. Laziness, on the other hand, often manifests as procrastination, boredom, or lack of drive.

2. Identify the Root Cause

If you’re feeling drained despite working hard, burnout might be the culprit. If you’re struggling to get started, you may need to reassess your motivation and goals.

3. Rebuild Your Energy

To recover from burnout, prioritize rest, nutrition, and time away from work. If laziness is the issue, set small, manageable goals to regain momentum.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Feeling overwhelmed? Break large tasks into bite-sized pieces to make them more manageable. This works for both burnout recovery and overcoming procrastination.

5. Redefine Productivity

Being productive doesn’t mean working endlessly. It means working effectively. Avoid burnout by focusing on high-impact tasks and maintaining work-life balance.

Final Thoughts:

Burnout and laziness require different solutions, but both can be addressed with self-awareness and intentional action. Recognizing the difference is the first step toward fixing the issue and getting back on track.
Which of these strategies will you implement to improve your motivation?