Description
The proverb ‘procrastination is the thief of time’ should ring a bell for everyone. Time is an essential aspect of life for every human being. Time once lost, is lost forever. If unfortunate, we will never acquire opportunities again and maybe lucky, we will attain better chances in life, but the same opportunity that we obtain in that particular moment will be lost forever.
Procrastination is a complex psychological behavior that affects everyone to some degree or another. With some it can be a minor problem; with others it is a source of considerable stress and anxiety. Procrastination is only remotely related to time management which is why very detailed schedules usually are no help.
Usually, our time elapses because we are either late or we postpone doing things. The more we delay or procrastinate, the more we tend to lose out on many things of life after all, time is money. Time is treasure that is insoluble – a mystery we must set out to figure. By procrastinating, we are rescheduling the things in our lives that shouldn’t necessarily be overlooked. Time lost, is a loss forever and it can’t be retrieved.
Legal Definition of Procrastination
MerriamWebster.com defines procrastination as “to put off intentionally and habitually” or “to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done” English speakers borrowed the word in the 16th century from Latin procrastinatus, which itself evolved from the prefix pro-,meaning "forward," and crastinus, meaning "of tomorrow.
Characteristics of a Procrastinator
The procrastinator is often remarkably optimistic about his ability to complete a task on a tight deadline; this is usually accompanied by expressions of reassurance that everything is under control. For example, he may estimate that a paper will take only five days to write; he has fifteen days; there is plenty of time; no need to start now. Lulled by a false sense of security, time passes. At some point, he crosses over an imaginary starting time and suddenly realizes, “Oh no! - I am not in control! There isn’t enough time!”
At this point, considerable effort is directed towards completing the task, and work progresses. This sudden spurt of energy is the source of the erroneous feeling that “I only work well under pressure.” Actually, at this point you are making progress only because you haven’t any choice. Your back is against the wall and there are no alternatives. Progress is being made, but you have lost your freedom
Simple Reasons for Procrastination
• Difficult - the task seems hard to do; we naturally tend to avoid difficult things in favor of those which seem easy to us.
• Time-consuming - the task will take large blocks of time, and large blocks of time are unavailable until the weekend.
• Lack of knowledge or skills - no one wants to make mistakes, so wait until you learn how before you start.
• Fears - everyone will know how you screwed
Procrastination in the light of Quran & Hadith
One of the things Allah has mentioned over and over again in the Quran is the issue of procrastination and its evil result: regret. An example from the Quran,
“ Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: “My Lord! Send me back. “So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!” No! It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.” (Surat ul-Mu’minun: 99-100)
It was related that ibn Umar said that the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The similitude of a hypocrite is that of a sheep which roams aimlessly between two flocks. She goes to one at one time and to the other at another time” (Muslim, C64, H1948)
The ayah & Hadith simply reflect the state of the one who procrastinates.
Famous Procrastination Quotes
Reading procrastination quotes can be just the wake-up call that everyone need to get going on that important project we’ve been putting off. Hopefully by reading them, they’ll provide the motivation that everyone need to shift from procrastination suffering into action-mode, and get going on our important tasks and projects. Some notable quotes are:
- “You may delay, but time will not.” - Benjamin Franklin
- “If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.” - Olin Miller
- “Procrastination is opportunity's assassin” - Victor Kiam
- “Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder” – Mason Cooley
- “The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action.” – Alexandra Graham Bell
Points of Application:
- Do not delay in doing any good deed but deal with priorities first.
- Work for the hereafter and give it more time.
- Try your best in not following your desires
- Manage and organize your time well because you will be accountable for it as the hadith goes, “The son of Adam will not be dismissed from before his Lord on the Day of Resurrection until he has been questioned about five thing: his life and how he spent it….” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
Conclusion:
I hope now by this article everyone understand how procrastination works, and how one can greatly reduce its’ influence in our life and experience more freedom and greater personal self-satisfaction.
Keep working on it although you may still procrastinate, but now you’ll be able to resolve the situation much more quickly, which in turn will enhance your feelings of self-confidence. When you do succeed, take time to savor the moment so you will remember how good it feels. This will help the next time you need encouragement. Treat the discovery process like a game, and have some fun with yourself.