Last week we got an email from one of our readers, Carol, from Denver.  The subject line was typed as "The Rudy Symptom" instead of "The Rudy Syndrome."  It was an unintended typographical error, but it struck a chord.  Maybe we should do a series of articles about the symptoms of the Rudy Syndrome.  After all, any diagnosis starts with a discussion of the syndrome's symptoms, right? 

So, here we go. 

Symptom: Laziness

Laziness, as it relates to the Rudy Syndrome, is indicated by a failure to act, despite an ability to do so.  Some of the keys to developing your skill on par with your talent are hard work and determination. Sitting around and doing nothing will get you nowhere.  Laziness keeps people who have talent, but not heart, from reaching their highest and best potential.  Therefore, it is one of the key symptoms of the Rudy Syndrome.

Laziness can take on many different forms.  It can be as simple as not putting your best effort into soccer practice one day.  Or not taking time to proof read your work one last time to ensure there are no errors.  Or skipping the reading for your class the next day.  But, it can also be something much more serious like not taking care of your health.  Or not putting in the effort to excel at school.  Or not going to school at all.  Yes, laziness comes in many degrees of severity.  Regardless, it is never good.

And, we aren't the only ones who think laziness is bad: 

• Voltaire said, "To cease to act is to cease to exist."

• Thomas Jefferson said, "Determine never to be idle... It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."

• Henry Ford said, "Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind."

• In fact, laziness (or sloth) is even included as one of the seven deadly sins (See, e.g., Hebrews 6:12, Matthew 25:26).

We might borrow that Henry Ford quotation from time to time.  It sums up so much about how to avoid the Rudy Syndrome in twelve simple words.

Remember, the Rudy Syndrome happens when people of whatever talent level fail to develop their skill on par with their talent.  We aren't talking about people failing to act who do not have the ability to do so.  This symptom relates to intentional and knowing acts of laziness.  We rarely hear from people who say they want to have the Rudy Syndrome.  But, we occasionally hear from people who are not ashamed to be lazy.  This is difficult for us to relate to, but it is not surprising  We live in a time where mediocrity is rewarded.  Let's see what we can do to inspire ourselves and those around us to refuse to be lazy.  It really is an issue of mind over matter.

You have to get up, get out, and get to work.  And, refuse to exhibit the symptom of laziness in your quest to avoid the Rudy Syndrome.