Laziness.

“We are what we are as a people because our ancestors were not afraid of honest, hard work. Our forefathers understood the necessity of it; sheer survival demanded it. A common ingredient among all successful people is an understanding of what constitutes paying the price of success. Basic in that formula of paying the price is an inner gift of determination that “I’ll do whatever it takes.” That means, “I’ll work hard, with integrity, to achieve my goal.”

Great athletes are hard workers. Points, rebounds, assists, tackles, goals, and home runs are all the result of long hours of painstaking practice and hard work. The bulk of that practice will always be on your own, away from the coach. Victory is brought to pass by one’s personal diligence and commitment to hard work. The view of a champion, and the glory that surrounds him, must never be overshadowed by the long process of becoming one. There is a time of preparation and a time of victory. The second mile of hard work is what makes the difference between the exhilaration of achievement and the acceptance of mediocrity.” –F. David Stanley

Dear Masappers,

I address you today in a most hurried fashion. I have absolutely nothing to do this afternoon, but if you were here you would most assuredly remark, “Wow he types fast!” In this fast-fingered manner I now treat the topic of laziness.

Anne Frank, the 3-time world champion of hide-and-go-seek (1941, 1942, 1943)said, “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.”

One of my laziness-pet-peeves is profanity. “Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully.”

I say, if you can’t say something clean, don’t say anything at all!
And if you can’t get clean, learn how to bathe!

Growing up in Prescott Arizona, I often heard the words, “There’s nothing to do here.” That phrase invokes a feeling within me a feeling of sadness; and a desire: a desire to take them by the hand and show them all the wonders, beauties, adventures, possibilities and activities that are available EVERY DAY. Then I wish to double-kick them in the face for being so preposterous. Never in my entire life has there been a day where I had "nothing to do!"

“I do not believe people can be happy unless they have work to do. One can really be more of a slave to idleness than to work.” –Neal A. Maxwell

“Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him.” –Benjamin Franklin


Included today are three videos. All of these demonstrate diligence, sacrifice and above all, work.

Lazy Legz didn’t let a disability slow him down, and has the core strength of an ox and moves that dazzle everyone!



OKGo is known for their creative music videos. This video has been previously highlighted by Jeremy in his article on the origin of music, but I’ve included it again in case you missed it. If you haven’t seen this, you should!

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass from OK Go on Vimeo.

How fantastic is that!

Now for the grand finale, behold THIS:


WOW.

That is WORK. That is EFFORT. DEDICATION. DILIGENCE.

Bob Hope once said, “People who throw kisses are mighty hopelessly lazy.” That’s right, sock it to your significant other like a double kick to the face! Don’t be lazy!

“There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements. Most of us are inherently lazy. We would rather play than work. We would rather loaf than work. A little play and a little loafing are good. But it is work that spells the difference in the life of a man or woman. It is stretching our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands that lift us from mediocrity. It is work that provides the food we eat, the clothing we wear, the homes in which we live. We cannot deny the need for work with skilled hands and educated minds if we are to grow and prosper individually” -Gordon B. Hinckley

-Travis Moore [Honorable Hardworking Horticultural Technician of the Year, 2009]