The Cost of Wasted Time: A Reflection on Networking, Focus, and Productivity
Dear Friends,
Recently, I came across a post on X by Naval Ravikant that said, “Networking is overrated. Go do something great, and your network will instantly emerge.” He also mentioned, “Don’t spend your time doing meetings unless you really, really have to.”
He further elaborated, “Go do something great, and your network will instantly emerge. If you build a great product or get a good customer base, I guarantee you will get funded.”
I completely agree with this perspective and have closely observed some successful leaders who follow this principle purposefully. Naval’s advice is particularly relevant for startup founders. Often, we believe that consciously investing time in building a network is essential. However, such networks are rarely sustainable.
When you focus on doing excellent work, pursuing your passion, and helping others within your abilities and limitations, the network that naturally forms is the one that lasts. Beyond this, networks can become artificial and difficult to manage, draining your energy, resources, and emotions.
If you don’t maintain the network, some people might laugh at you, disconnect from you, or fail to reciprocate when you expect it. Instead, focus on your karma and let the rest follow naturally.
This principle applies equally to college students. I often observe students spending hours in coffee shops or casual hangouts. When you overhear these conversations, they are usually unproductive. While relaxation is essential, it should be meaningful.
It is disheartening to see students spending an average of 3-4 hours daily on platforms like Instagram, X, Snapchat, and YouTube. Many spend 1-2 hours gaming, and some get so involved in multiplayer games that they spend 4-5 hours daily.
Instead of engaging in focused, deep study, students often spend 1-2 hours in pseudo-study, distracted by their phones or multitasking. Casual hangouts can extend to 2-3 hours or more, while procrastination—whether through scrolling, daydreaming, or delaying tasks—can easily add up to 2-3 hours daily. In total, students may waste 5-8 hours daily on non-productive activities, depending on their habits.
Why It Matters
This wasted time could be better utilized in skill-building, learning, or creative pursuits. Procrastination often results in last-minute work, which increases stress and reduces the quality of output. Over months and years, the cumulative effect of wasted time leads to missed opportunities and delayed goals.
Do you, your friends, or your children find themselves falling victim to this time-wasting syndrome?
Ravi Saripalle
Views are personal
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
View Details
Like
0 Comments
Repost
You may also like
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
🎓 Top B.A. (Hons.) Liberal Arts Colleges in India (2026)
Liberal Arts education in India is gaining momentum under the NEP 2020, offering flexible 3–4 year programs, multiple exit options, and research opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive look at
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
The Life Choices of India’s Brightest Minds
Dear Friends,Let's assume your son or daughter studied CSE at IIT Bombay. Right after graduation, he/she declares that they would not go after the software or corporate route. They want to explore
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Chemistry Pavan Sir: Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures
M. Pavan Kumar, fondly known as "Chemistry Pavan Sir," is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 23 years of teaching experience in Chemistry. After completing his Master's in Physical
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
🎨 Design as a Career: A Creative Journey After 12th
Choosing a career after 12th standard is a crucial decision, especially when you have creative talents and artistic instincts. If you find joy in drawing, imagining, innovating, and problem-solving through
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
A Journey of Inspiration with G.Srinivas Sir
At Edgroom, we celebrate incredible educators who inspire and empower their students. Today, we honor G. Srinivas Sir, a passionate mathematics teacher whose dedication has impacted countless lives.A
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautics is a growing industry. With operative costs coming down, it is now being accessed by all sections of society.It has opportunities in civil aviation, defence and space exploration.We
EdGe: Your Academic Co-pilot
Published 7d+
Law Entrance Exams
Nowadays the students choosing LAW as a career has increased a lot. In order to get an admission they need to write a lot of admission tests . To help such students , a list of popular Law entrance exams
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Twilighting?
Is it called Moonlighting or Sun lighting or Twilighting? Curious Question to Industry and Academia!Dear Friends and StudentsMoonlighting has become a critical issue in the IT Industry for the
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Soul Pleasure Vs Societal Pleasure
Hard to Accept this Definition but Soft to Reject? Soul Pleasure and Pressure Vs Societal Pleasure and Pressure? Read this perspective!Dear Friends and StudentsGustavo Petro, the Mayor of Bogota,
Sheetal Yadav
Published 7d+
Make Believe: Part-2
Amy and Nick are now passing through a testing time, they both are preparing to appear for University entrance tests for courses of their choice. Amy is clear and has already decided to pursue law; Nick
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Story of a boy from GVP to Apple!
The Story of a boy from GVP to Apple! Humble Beginning to Whopping Package! Studious to Super coder!! Read this Interesting Story of a GVPcian!Dear Students and FriendsAs I said before, I met a GVPCE
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Seiryu-Miharashi
This Railway Station is created for a Purpose, without an Entrance, Exit or a Ticket Machine! Did you create such stations in your life journey or only planning to stop at the final Carriage and Wagon
Related Blogs
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Published 7d+
Lost Man Years and The Cost of Misalignment
Lost Man Years and The Cost of Misalignment: Examining Aspirations in the Indian Educational LandscapeDear Friends and StudentsA few days back, one of my friends forwarded the left side of the
H. Yogesh
Published 7d+
IS TIME TRAVEL POSSIBLE....??
IS TIME TRAVEL POSSIBLE....???Well, time travel is an imaginary concept which makes everyone get attracted to this concept. Well for a normal being it is not possible to travel in time because for
ELCSLAB @ Lendi
Published 7d+
Game On: Uncovering the Uncommon Pros and Cons of Virtual Gaming
Game On: Uncovering the Uncommon Pros and Cons of Virtual Gaming"Dear Friends and Students,In today's digital age, virtual games have become an integral part of many people's lives.
VENKATESH PANYAM
Published 7d+
Let Them Pop: Why Students Need Their Own Time to Excel
Dear Teachers and Parents,As parents and teachers, we often expect all students to excel at the same rate, assuming that if they are all exposed to the same environment and resources, they should all
ELCSLAB @ Lendi
Published 7d+
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON RELATIONSHIP
Technology is increasing day by day in that technology social media is also one of the main aspect .On increasingly digital world ,social media systems have become deeply embedded in many day-to-day relationships.
Anjana Shekhawat
Published 7d+
Impact and uses of social media
Introduction: Social media is a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. It also includes