Students often grapple with the concept of procrastination, particularly in high-pressure academic environments. Sareena Naganand, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, reflects on her experiences with procrastination and the consequences of a busy schedule devoid of personal fulfillment. In her column, she explores the nuances between productive procrastination and genuine engagement with one’s aspirations.
During her junior year of high school, Naganand’s AP Calculus teacher shared a TED Talk by prominent blogger Tim Urban. In this talk, Urban illustrated the inner workings of a procrastinator’s mind, introducing characters such as the Instant Gratification Monkey and the Panic Monster. These figures represent the conflicting motivations that drive students to prioritize immediate distractions over long-term goals. The discussion prompted Naganand to ponder a significant question: What happens in the absence of deadlines?
As she navigated her academic journey, Naganand realized that while she was actively involved in various student organizations and projects, these activities often felt like mere checkboxes on a to-do list. Despite engaging in volunteering and research, she sensed a lingering emptiness, particularly during quieter academic periods. This sensation raised concerns about whether her busy schedule was a genuine pursuit of her passions or simply a facade to avoid confronting deeper aspirations.
Naganand identifies this busyness as a form of productive procrastination, where the satisfaction of being involved can mask the lack of meaningful personal progress. She emphasizes that while tangible projects lead to clear outcomes, personal endeavors often lack defined results, making them easier to postpone. The allure of being busy can be deceptive, leading to a false sense of accomplishment without addressing what truly matters.
In elite educational institutions like Hopkins, students are surrounded by peers pursuing impressive projects, from developing brain-computer interfaces to engaging in advanced research. This environment fosters a culture of achievement, yet it can also pressure students to conform without questioning their own goals. Naganand challenges her peers to reflect on whether their activities align with their true desires, rather than simply following a prescribed path to success.
The pursuit of clarity regarding one’s aspirations can be uncomfortable, requiring introspection and self-discovery. Naganand warns that neglecting to define personal goals can lead to regret, as aspirations fade into the background, overshadowed by the urgency of everyday tasks.
Ultimately, the journey to understanding productive procrastination involves recognizing the difference between being busy and being fulfilled. Students are encouraged to seek a balance that allows for both engagement in their education and a commitment to their personal passions. Naganand’s insights serve as a reminder that true achievement lies not in the quantity of activities but in the quality of the experiences that align with one’s values and ambitions.
Sareena Naganand is a sophomore from Piscataway, New Jersey, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Her column, “The Daily Chai,” focuses on finding joy in simple moments, akin to the warmth of a comforting cup of tea.
