How common is it in our daily life when a teacher or boss sets a deadline, and we all think, "Oh, I'll start in ten days!" Suddenly, time shrinks, and it's panic mode: emergency declared, day-and-night sprints commence, and the assignment emerges from chaos.

Now, in the Gen Z era, the twist is that although we, the "old-timers," allot ten days based on our past snail-like speed, these whiz kids can finish it in a day! Yet, they deliver on day ten—almost as if they are saying, "We saved our brilliance for the grand finale!"

Is procrastination just a well-choreographed dance with time?

One memorable remark from Bengali wisdom goes, "Time flows like a river, never to return." This timeless metaphor urges us to seize every moment, reminding us that delaying action only lets precious life slip away.

Global research reveals that 20 percent of adults chronically procrastinate, impacting productivity and well-being. Nearly 95 percent of college students procrastinate, leading to stress and lower grades.

In the workplace, procrastination can reduce productivity by 20–25 percent, costing billions. This habit is linked to 30–50 percent higher stress, anxiety, and depression, making effective planning utterly essential globally.

In the whirlwind of life in Bangladesh—from the hectic corridors of Dhaka University to the buzzing offices in Chittagong—procrastination is a familiar, if not constant, companion.

We have all planned our work in perfect, neat sequences, only to find that reality takes a humorous detour. Picture this: you plan your assignment with the best intentions, gradually build momentum, and then happily submit the report!

The days slip away until the deadline looms like a thunderstorm.

Tim Urban explains this struggle well in his talk. At the heart of this struggle lies a peculiar internal tug-of-war.

On one side is the Rational Decision-Maker, the part of you that meticulously maps out plans, envisions a successful future, and insists that work comes first.

On the other side is the mischievous Instant Gratification Monkey. This cheeky character lives solely in the present, urging you to indulge in whatever's fun at the moment—be it rewatching cricket highlights, scrolling through endless social media feeds, or catching up on the latest Bangladeshi drama.

The comedy of this internal battle is best illustrated by those moments when plans go awry. Imagine preparing for a major project by pacing yourself, only to scramble at the last minute.

The panic sets in, and suddenly, the Panic Monster—that wild burst of urgency triggered by an impending deadline—takes charge.

It might push you into action, compelling you to pull all-nighters and finish a 100-page assignment in a frenzied 72 hours.

While these last-minute heroics might save the day, they also leave behind a trail of stress, exhaustion, and a lingering sense of regret.

Yet, a more deceptive form of procrastination haunts many of us. Unlike the dramatic rush induced by deadlines, this type creeps into daily life without warning.

It's the quiet delay that prevents us from pursuing our long-term dreams—whether launching a business in Sylhet, nurturing personal relationships, or even taking proper care of our health.

Over time, these unfulfilled ambitions can become a constant companion of guilt and self-doubt.

So, what's the remedy? First, it is essential to acknowledge that procrastination is a universal human trait, not a personal failing.

Breaking tasks into small, manageable goals, creating a "life calendar" to visualize precious weeks, and finding a balance between work and leisure can help tame that unruly Monkey.

Ultimately, every Bangladeshi has the power to reclaim control of their time—starting today, not tomorrow.

In busy Bangladesh, let's give procrastination a proper kick. We can turn panic into progress with simple planning and a good laugh at our own delays.

Embrace the day, chase dreams, and show that cheeky monkey who's really in charge!