Patience is an important attribute when it comes to living a positive life, but as I’m sure many of you can testify, it isn’t an easy one to adopt.
One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life. Chinese proverb
For some people, being patient comes naturally, and for others it takes a lot of work.
I used to struggle a lot with being patient. I was constantly in a rush, trying to move my life forward as quickly as possible. At times there would be a particular situation or certain people that could just push my buttons, making it impossible for me to remain patient. I frequently was quick to act and would be very reactive, always trying to make things happen. I was always on edge and got frustrated when things went to slow for my liking. I really have come a long way on my journey, now I have come to understand the importance, and benefit to me of being patient.
Yes sometimes it’s hard to be patient, but it is so worth it. It will benefit you in every situation you will face. You can learn to be more patient, but it will take time, and you will have to work at it.
The word patient is defined as steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity. Patience is the capability to bear waiting, delay, or frustration without becoming troubled or distressed. It’s the capacity to be able to control your emotions or reactions and proceed calmly when faced with difficulties. It comes from the Latin word pati which means to suffer, to endure, to bear.
Some of the Benefits of Patience include:
1. Reduces stress levels
2. You become happier and healthier
3. Less emotional outbursts
4. More in control of your emotions
5. Better decision-making
6. See the big picture
7. Problem solving improves
8. You will develop understanding, empathy and compassion.
9. More understanding of others.
10. Better, more fulfilling relationships
Today’s article has been motivated by a personal coaching session I did yesterday. It was with a blogger. He is continuously at the point of just wanting to scream and pull out his hair because his blog wasn’t working fast enough. He was close to the point of quitting, no longer being able to face putting in the work and sitting patiently to reap the benefits of his actions. His lack of patience was creating feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed, and doubtful.
“If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent.” Isaac Newton
The strain he feels is almost unbearable at times. This stress, of not knowing what to do, where to turn, how to react, coping with the frustration of not raising any income from all the time and effort he was putting in, together with the feeling of being pulled in every direction
But we never know what’s just around the corner. His big break could be just so close. Patience would enable him to remain clear and level headed. A clear mind functions much better when it comes to problem solving than one clouded by fear, uncertainty, and frustration. He has to believe in himself, and just show patience for a little bit longer. His time will come.
Patience will enable him to see this challenge through from start to finish, no matter the struggles encountered on his journey. To me patience and belief is a wonderful mix. All he is missing is this one thing, patience , as he is doing all that he can do, and is working towards his targets in the right way. So as long as he sticks to his plan he will in time to accomplish his goals.
You must learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success. Brian Adams
Sometimes the best thing you can do is wait. Give things time to fall into place for you. It takes time, dedication and effort to achieve things you deem as worthwhile; so patience is a virtue.
You have to be patient and hang in there until you achieve what you want. If something is worth achieving, it is worth waiting for. You need to do what you have to do every day and be patient.
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. John Quincy Adams
How can you become more patient? The most important thing for you to do is to intentionally work at it everyday. Be conscious of yourself, your thoughts, and your actions. It’s not easy, but it is so worthwhile.
If you feel your calm about to be replaced by panic, just stop for a minute. Pause. Take a few deep, long breaths. Look at the situation that has you hot under the collar, analyse it, and realise that it isn’t that bad. Things only become urgent, if you let them be so. Sometimes you can’t make things move faster than they already are. Accept and appreciate life as it unfolds, everything will happen in time.
Patience is such a valuable attribute for you to possess, it will help you to persevere and eventually achieve your goals, while eliminating the stress that most people carry on this journey we call life. Say goodbye to frustration.
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Okay this is something I have always needed to work on. as I have become older I am better at it but still work to do!! Really good information as usual!!!
http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/08/photographing-love-for-magnificent.html
Jim. Your photos show where you are skilled t being patient. To capture the wonderful images that you take, you have to wait patiently for the right moment. You do it perfectly.
This is certainly what I am looking for…as I severally lack patience.Excellent post..Larry
Alpana as you say, i must be a mind reader, i will continue to create articles to eventually overcome any weaknesses you may have
I have learned to be at peace with the pace of life and allow it to unfold in its own perfect time. As you say Larry, “Accept and appreciate life as it unfolds, everything will happen in time”. This is so very true, and we do well to remind ourselves of this, often.
Once again, Larry, you have delivered a wonderful post. 🙂
Becky. we are aware that when you don have control over your inner self, the practice of patience is so much easier. that is why we cn enjoy life and allow things to unfold as we go along without trying to chase them down. Perhaps that why we both have entered the blogging world and are both trying to help others acquire these habits.
One of the few things in life I am not to bad at. Rather handy in my job mate, saying that driving can cause me to lose all elf control when wanting to get home after a hard 10.5 hr shift
Charles, i’d rather not think of your road rage considering the title of your current post
I try to practice patience, it doesn’t always work. But I’ve found when I’m training a horse, I’m at peace and very patient. Maybe because the focus isn’t on me. Maybe because horses are so sensitive to the trainer we have to stay calm. I’ll have to think about this. Great post!
Mari. One of the greatest attributes we can show, is belief, belief in what we do and how we do it. When we truly believe in ourselves patience comes naturally. That is why when you train horses, you can be patient, because you believe in yourself and the eventual outcome.
Patience….I never did have at all… When I began my practice of yoga and over time patience became my friend! My patience has been tested many times and it is being tested as I write this… it is not in my control… I breathe and do the thing that come naturally to me… which just be and enjoy the little things that presents it self to me
Savira. Patience we both know is a hard virtue to adopt, we know the frustrations of waiting for what we want are boiling just under the surface, but being patient does reduce our stress and anxiety, it is worth working on ourselves to achieve it