THE THIEF OF TIME
By : Dr. Saleh Abdullah Alkhamyasi
Whenever Mahmoud was asked to complete a task, his immediate response was a simple yet costly word: “Later.” It didn’t matter whether the task was big or small, urgent or not—his answer remained the same. Over time, this habit became ingrained in his behavior, creating a mental image of him among his family, colleagues, and everyone he interacted with. Mahmoud became known as someone who was unreliable, incapable of delivering his tasks on time, and in particular urgent and important situations requiring speed, precision, and quality execution.
Undoubtedly, Mahmoud reminds us of people in our family, workplace, or social circles—or perhaps even ourselves. His habit makes us reflect: Are we among those who frequently use words like “later,” “tomorrow,” or “next week”? . In fact some exaggerate to an extent of claiming, “I’m so busy, I don’t even have time to breathe!” Yet, time is the only commodity that is distributed equally by Almighty Allah to all people—young and old, rich and poor, men and women alike. The question is why do some people make good use of it and achieve success, while others waste it, resorting to procrastination and endless excuses, making their promises nothing more than empty words?
Causes of Procrastination
In simple terms, procrastination is the act of delaying tasks that should be completed today without a valid reason. The famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Do not put off today’s work for tomorrow, because tomorrow will only bring what you decide today.”
So, why does Mahmoud—and many others like him—postpone today’s work for tomorrow?
Procrastination can stem from several causes, including:
• Fear of failure: The anxiety of not meeting expectations can lead to avoidance.
• Perfectionism: Some delay tasks because they want them to be flawless, leading to inaction.
• Overwhelm and exhaustion: When burdened with too many responsibilities, procrastination becomes a coping mechanism.
• Poor planning and organization: A lack of clear priorities results in chaos and indecision.
• Distractions: Social media and entertainment, easily accessible to everyone, often steal time and fuel procrastination.
When Procrastination Can Be Beneficial
Despite its negative reputation, procrastination can sometimes be a smart move. It can be useful when
• More time is needed for analysis before making an important decision.
• Prioritization is necessary, delaying less urgent tasks in favor of more critical ones
• External circumstances require patience before taking a decisive step.
The Cost of Procrastination
Victor Hugo once said, “Procrastination is the secret of defeated creative minds.”
In a world driven by achievements, procrastination comes with serious consequences:
• Increased stress: Delaying tasks leads to accumulation, causing constant anxiety.
• Declining quality: Rushed work often lacks precision and effectiveness.
• Missed opportunities: Career and personal growth suffer due to habitual postponement.
• Loss of confidence: Repeated failure to meet deadlines erodes self-esteem and credibility.
Companies That Thrive on Timely Execution
Some of the world’s most successful companies have built their reputation on efficiency and timely execution:
• Toyota’s “Just in Time” system minimizes waste and ensures timely production.
• Amazon’s rapid delivery model is based on operational speed and customer satisfaction.
• Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It,” reflects a philosophy of action, encouraging people to overcome hesitation and focus on immediate execution.
Mahmoud Breaks Free from Procrastination
After experiencing significant setbacks due to his habit of procrastination, Mahmoud finally realized the need to change. His constant delays had cost him the trust of his managers, colleagues, and even close friends. Determined to turn things around, he made a firm decision: “I will complete today’s work today.”
To achieve this, Mahmoud:
• Learned from high-performing colleagues.
• Created a task list and prioritized his duties.
• Sought help when needed and delegated tasks.
• Focused on customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Inspired by Nike’s motto “Just Do It,” Mahmoud placed the phrase on his office wall as a daily reminder. Over time, he replaced his habitual “Later” with a more proactive “Right away!” Through persistence and discipline, he successfully transformed his approach, proving that breaking free from procrastination is possible.
As author Gary Ryan Blair puts it, “Procrastination is the only sure way to destroy your dreams.”
Dr. Saleh Al-Khameesi
Researcher, Trainer, and Coach in Self-Leadership
