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Procrastination vs Having a good time || Acharya Prashant, with IIT Kharagpur (2022)
9.4K views
3 years ago
Deadlines
Procrastination
Time Management
Discipline
Self-respect
Learning
Maturity
Freedom
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the issue of balancing enjoyment with meeting deadlines. He explains that a deadline is only required when a person is not mature enough to do things on their own in a timely way. The very presence of a deadline indicates that one is not yet mature enough and does not truly love what they are doing. If one loved the work, a deadline would be irrelevant because the work would be done eagerly and on time. The first step is to acknowledge this lack of maturity and recognize that the deadline is a necessary corrective system. He advises accepting the deadline not as an external imposition, but as a useful tool for one's own development and an internal requirement. This humble acceptance can transform resentment into gratitude, as one realizes that deadlines facilitate learning and achievement. He connects the concept of a deadline to discipline, which stems from the root word 'disciple'—one who wants to learn. Therefore, a love for learning naturally leads to respecting deadlines. When one respects deadlines, the act of adhering to them becomes a source of joy and self-respect, as it proves one's sincerity and authenticity. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that the goal is to enjoy the process of meeting deadlines, knowing they signify a love for learning and self-development. This transforms the situation from an 'either-or' conflict between work and enjoyment into a joyful process of growth. He further advises the questioner to focus on worthwhile pursuits and self-development, especially during the precious college years, rather than squandering time on trivial emotional matters. He redefines 'free time' not as idleness, but as time spent in the pursuit of freedom from internal bondages, which is achieved by working with utmost truth and dedication.