People who regularly take shortcuts to avoid hard work usually display these 7 behaviors, says psychology

There’s a clear distinction between working smarter and simply avoiding hard work.

You see, consistently taking shortcuts often leads to a habit of dodging effort and responsibility.

Psychology tells us that there are seven tell-tale behaviors that these shortcut-takers usually display.

In this piece, we’ll pull back the curtain on these habits, so you can spot them a mile away. Or perhaps, even recognize them in yourself.

So, read on as we dig into the 7 behaviors of people who regularly take shortcuts to avoid hard work. 

1) They procrastinate often

Who hasn’t put off a task until the last minute? We all do it now and then.

But for those who consistently take shortcuts, procrastination isn’t an occasional indulgence – it’s a way of life.

Psychology tells us that chronic procrastinators often have a distorted sense of time. They convince themselves they’ll have plenty of time later, thus avoiding the hard work in the present moment.

It’s this approach that separates the occasional procrastinator from the habitual shortcut-taker.

These individuals are not simply pushing back tasks; they’re deliberately scheming to avoid the effort entirely.

Just remember, while procrastination might offer temporary relief, it usually leads to more stress and poor performance in the long run. And that’s a shortcut nobody wants to take.

2) They’re often unprepared

Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to be scrambling at the last minute? That’s another classic sign of a consistent shortcut-taker.

I remember a colleague I used to work with. Let’s call him Bob. Bob was infamous for walking into meetings without having read the agenda, let alone preparing for the discussion points.

He’d always try to wing it, hoping he could get by on charm and quick thinking. But more often than not, it was clear he hadn’t done his homework. His contributions were often shallow and lacked insight.

This kind of behavior is typical of those who habitually avoid hard work. They’re willing to risk being caught unprepared rather than put in the effort ahead of time.

It’s a risky game to play, and one that rarely pays off in the long run.

3) They’re prone to distraction

Let’s talk about distraction. We live in a world where our attention is constantly pulled in a million directions.

But for those who often take shortcuts, distractions are not just an occasional interruption; they’re a convenient escape route.

They latch onto these distractions as an excuse to step away from their tasks, providing them with an easy way out of putting in the effort.

So, if you notice someone frequently drifting off-task and indulging in distractions, there’s a good chance they’re trying to sidestep the hard work.

4) They often blame others

This one’s a classic. When things go awry, as they inevitably will when you’re frequently taking shortcuts, it’s easier to point fingers than accept responsibility.

Shortcut-takers often fall into the trap of blaming others when their lack of effort leads to subpar results.

They may argue that they weren’t given adequate resources, that their team let them down, or even that they were set up to fail.

This kind of deflection is a self-protective mechanism, designed to shield them from the consequences of their actions. However, over time, this behavior can damage relationships and erode trust.

Remember, it’s okay to admit when you’ve fallen short. Taking responsibility for your actions is a sign of maturity and integrity – qualities that no amount of shortcut-taking can replace.

5) They’re resistant to learning

There’s something about learning that requires you to embrace the possibility of failure, to step outside of your comfort zone, and push yourself. It’s not always an easy process, but it’s a necessary one.

I recall a time when I was offered the opportunity to lead a major project at work. It was a thrilling opportunity, but also an intimidating one. The role required skills I hadn’t fully developed yet.

But instead of shying away from the challenge, I decided to dive in headfirst. There were late nights, plenty of mistakes and moments of self-doubt. It was hard work, but also incredibly rewarding.

In contrast, those who habitually take shortcuts are often resistant to this kind of learning. They avoid situations where they might have to struggle or face potential failure.

But in doing so, they miss out on opportunities for growth and development.

Embracing hard work isn’t just about achieving immediate goals; it’s about who you become in the process.

6) They struggle with follow-through

Starting a project is often exciting. There’s a sense of novelty, a burst of energy, and a feeling of potential. But as the initial enthusiasm fades, the real work begins. And this is where many shortcut-takers falter.

They might start with gusto but lose steam when they realize the amount of effort needed to see it through to the end. As a result, they leave projects half-done, or deliver work that just barely meets the minimum requirements.

This lack of follow-through isn’t just about laziness; it’s a telltale sign of an aversion to hard work.

So, if you notice someone frequently abandoning tasks midway or delivering half-hearted results, you might be dealing with a habitual shortcut-taker.

7) They lack persistence

At its core, the avoidance of hard work is really an avoidance of struggle. And struggle, in many ways, is synonymous with grit or persistence.

Persistence is about pushing through obstacles, maintaining focus in the face of adversity, and sticking with a task even when it feels tough. It’s a quality that shortcut-takers often lack.

Without persistence, the slightest hiccup can derail progress, and the temptation to quit becomes too strong to resist.

Unfortunately, grit is one of the most important ingredients of success.

As psychologist Angela Duckworth said, “There are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine.” 

Final thoughts: It’s about mindset

At the end of the day, our behavior is largely shaped by our mindset. When it comes to taking shortcuts, it’s no different.

Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduced the concept of ‘growth mindset’ versus ‘fixed mindset‘. Those with a fixed mindset often believe their abilities are set in stone and avoid challenges for fear of failure.

On the other hand, individuals with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

It’s this growth mindset that is often lacking in individuals who habitually take shortcuts. They’re unwilling to confront challenges and put in the hard work necessary for personal and professional growth.

So, as we reflect on these seven behaviors, let’s remember that it’s never too late to shift our mindset. Embracing hard work and persistence over quick fixes can lead to a more rewarding journey and ultimately, greater success.