If You're Idle You'll Always Complain About Something

Real Men Aren't Idle

If a man’s idle, a roasted duck

Could fly into his mouth, and he’d curse his luck

And complain it hadn’t been properly served:

It must first be roasted, then neatly carved.

-Goethe (1810)

Idleness causes a perpetual state of unproductivity. A person who is continuously idle in life can develop a mindset that the world owes them something, even if they’re handed life on a silver platter. Some people are going to complain no matter what their circumstances are.

A victimhood mindset is a very debilitating and negative way to view existence. It hinders our growth, maturity, and successes in life. If a person can claim that someone else is to blame for their misfortunes, there is no reason to take responsibility for one’s actions. Victimhood has an almost crippling effect on our mental, physical and emotional health.

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Unfortunately, we also live in a world which promotes, awards and venerates victimhood status. In fact, the people who can portray themselves as victims often acquire more resources, support and power in society.

ACTIONS

• Immediately reverse out of an idle mindset by becoming productive.

• Even going to the gym, reading a book, or cleaning your home can help you become less idle and bitter.

• Rather than being a victim, take responsibility for your circumstances and actions in life.

• Choosing to be responsible for the good and bad that happens to us is far more empowering than being a perpetual victim.

References:

Goethe, Johann (1999). Maxims and Reflections. Penguin Classics.