Procrastination is the thief of time

The quote by Edward Young has carved itself a place on both literal and metaphorical grounds. Procrastination simply means putting off today’s task to a future date. The notion is further strengthened that the time, not valued today, is lost forever and if something is not done at the right time; it might never be done again. It prevails in all social, moral and political areas as time and tide wait for none.

Take care of today’s urgency, unless it may turn to tomorrow’s emergency.

 A little hole in a boat, if not looked into, grows so big to save it. Likewise a little fire, if not controlled immediately develops into a huge conflagration in a few hour’s time. Such are the consequences of procrastination. On the political front, the current socio-economic situation of Pakistan is the glaring example in this regard. Country is wrought with a chronic energy and water crisis, rampant inflation, deteriorating law and order situation, a debt crisis-all a consequence of not addressing problems on time and procrastination on part of successive governments. French Revolution is a case where people miseries were not addressed and mass protests grow so big that changed the entire scenario of French politics and the society gave a new turn and twist to the future events. The great Mughals were also the victim of procrastination. The same Mughal dynasty noted for her triumphs and awe, was no more owing to neglect to their routine affairs and deep slumber.

Procrastinators themselves put obstacles in the path that sabotage their performance; it is not an untamable beast but a habit that one can overcome through personal mastery and will power. Procrastination, indeed, is the thief of the time, energy, self esteem and justice. There are many means to be a loser in life but the surest is procrastination.

The march of civilization has largely depended on the timely action of man. How much does the world owe to its great explorers, navigators and mountain climbers? Who face the wrath of nature and fury of the elements in order to satisfy their inner urge of timely action. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Louis Pasteur, John Brown and Florence Nightingale are noted figures in this regard.