We all dream about making the most out of our lives. We want the best and look forward to making of our earthly journey a memorable and fruitful one. The experience of life can indeed be a thrilling and enjoyable one while serving a purpose, but the adventure is limited by a time frame of 700 thousand hours.

Life is generous with us in the 21st century because, a century ago, an average voyage on earth lasted around 500 thousand hours, when not shortened by war and disease.

Once we are conceived, the clock of existence starts its unavoidable and irreversible countdown through our credit. It stops only when it reaches the final destination of death.

It is therefore our duty to set our bearings correct, follow them and move forward in time through the itinerary that we have set, more importantly, when we have the opportunity to do so.

We should not forget that some rides have immovable routes, set by third parties. An example is in totalitarian countries where one is not free to choose one’s own routes.

No route is without obstacles. It comes as a general rule that, the more the route is interesting and fulfilling, the more obstacles are to be expected. We should hence not give a chance for these time-robbers to hinder our progress.

While some difficulties are strewn upon our road by mischance, others are created and placed there by ourselves. Among these self-inflicted injuries, that prevent us from moving ahead timely and fluently is a highly addictive habit called procrastination.

Coming from the Latin pro and cras which mean forward and tomorrow respectively, procrastination literally means move forward for tomorrow. Yet life is all about living in the present and delaying the present may burden or even compromise the future. This propensity to delay or postpone action is in modernity greatly supported by time-robbers such as games,Ipods, Internet, TV and a whole array of technological devices, which divert us from our goal.

30 years ago, 5% of Americans considered themselves as procrastinators while 26% of them now concede being infected by the virus. This is affecting productivity as well as our quality of life because no procrastinator is an island, we all are interconnected.

Studies have revealed that those who delay action tend to be unhappy and less rich. Procrastination may also dramatically shorten our journey should we delay important actions. For example, people who fail to seek medical advice, when faced with unusual symptoms, may expose themselves to further complications.

You kids should know that a stitch in time saves nine. Time wasted never comes back. So never put off for tomorrow what you can do now. Do your homework in time and learn in time to avoid rush because rush sometimes leads to crash.

In the classroom ask questions when things do not seem clear to you. Do not postpone for another day, it unnecessarily slows down your progress.

In this journey of life, like in all travel adventure, you will need to stop and refuel. Spiritual refuelling is as important as material refuelling- just as you should not skip your meals especially breakfast, you should also avoid postponing the time for God. Talk to him and confide to him, he surely can help you out of this disease of procrastination, but most importantly he is always of great help in having us keep the right bearings.

Avoid easy empty baits, avoid procrastinating, you will never be late lest it’s out of fate. It’s action and not procrastination which makes of us champions; make it part of your ongoing resolutions.

Alain JEANNOT </B>