Meaning & Explanation
The proverb “Do not put off till tomorrow” emphasizes the importance of completing tasks promptly rather than delaying them. It encourages productivity, discipline, and responsibility by warning against procrastination.
Hindi Equivalent:
“आज का काम कल पर न छोड़ो”
Literal Meaning: “Do not leave today’s work for tomorrow”
Detailed Explanation
This timeless wisdom teaches:
✔ Immediate Action: Tackle tasks without unnecessary delay
✔ Time Management: Avoid last-minute stress by staying ahead
✔ Accountability: Take responsibility for timely completion
The concept appears across cultures, including Benjamin Franklin’s “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
Real-Life Examples
1. Student Life
- English: “She aced her exams because she didn’t put off studying till tomorrow.”
- Hindi: “उसने परीक्षा में अच्छे अंक प्राप्त किए क्योंकि उसने पढ़ाई को कल पर नहीं छोड़ा।”
2. Workplace Efficiency
- English: “The team met the deadline because they didn’t put off tasks till tomorrow.”
- Hindi: “टीम ने समय सीमा पूरी कर ली क्योंकि उन्होंने काम को कल पर नहीं टाला।”
3. Personal Goals
- English: “He learned guitar quickly by practicing daily and not putting it off till tomorrow.”
- Hindi: “उसने रोज़ अभ्यास करके और कल पर न टालकर जल्दी गिटार सीख लिया।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why Procrastination Hurts:
✓ Increased Stress: Last-minute rushing causes anxiety
✓ Missed Opportunities: Delays can lead to lost chances
✓ Poor Performance: Rushed work often lacks quality
How to Overcome It:
✔ Break tasks into smaller steps
✔ Set clear deadlines
✔ Eliminate distractions
Usage Tips
✔ Use to motivate action in personal/professional settings
✔ Effective in goal-setting discussions
✔ Often shortened to “Don’t procrastinate!”
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Strike while the iron is hot” | “लोहा गरम होते ही हथौड़ा चलाओ” |
| “Time and tide wait for none” | “समय और समुद्र की लहरें किसी की प्रतीक्षा नहीं करतीं” |
| “Tomorrow never comes” | “कल कभी नहीं आता” |
Cultural Perspectives
- Japanese Kaizen: Emphasizes continuous small improvements
- German Punctuality: Values strict adherence to deadlines
- Indian “Kal Kare So Aaj Kar”: Guru Nanak’s teaching against delay
Reflection Questions:
- What tasks do you often put off till tomorrow?
- How has procrastination affected you negatively?
- What strategies help you stay productive?
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