“Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”
—Joyce Meyer
Having patience is tough. We expect instant service when we have a software-related question (hence the creation of the “chat” feature). We want our Amazon Prime™ orders within two days—at the most. However, achieving this immediate gratification often results in short-term pleasure rather than long-term happiness. It’s especially difficult to wait when we aren’t sure what we’re waiting for. But, as the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait.”Get Comfortable with Waiting
We have opportunities to be patient all the time. Whether you’re waiting 5 minutes for your dinner to finish heating up or the 5 days a potential employer said they would need to review your application, be willing to wait. Remind yourself that getting flustered with impatience will, in fact, slow down your progress.
Practice Patience
Being impatient can have a negative effect on your heart due to heightened stress levels. However, the benefits of being patient include:
- An increased ability to focus and make more rational decisions.
- An increased willingness to learn.
What’s the best way to improve your patience? You guessed it—practice! Commit to completing something time consuming without tapping your foot or looking at your phone. Ideas for practicing your patience include:
- Read a long novel, like Dickens’ Bleak House©.
- Construct a large (over 1,000 piece) jigsaw puzzle .
- Cook your dinner from scratch, bonus points if you gather your veggies from the farmer’s market or community garden.
- Take the bus downtown, or better yet, walk.
- Learn a new instrument, such as the piano or clarinet.
Investigate Why You’re in a Rush
In order to become more patient, start by figuring out what’s making you impatient. Are you always running late for meetings? Leave earlier and remind yourself that arriving on time (or early) is a way to show your respect. Are you antsy in the grocery store line? Maybe you’re just hungry. Carry a snack in your bag so you can stay satiated while waiting to check out.
Ask yourself, “Will being impatient help?” The answer is likely “No.” especially if the circumstances are out of your control. If you’re waiting in line at the DMV, for instance, getting frustrated will not have any effect on how quickly your number is called. As long as you made an appointment and followed the steps they’ve laid out, you’ll need to wait alongside everybody else. So, spend this time wisely (which will also help it to fly by). Using your wait time to read a book, answer emails, or text a friend is way more productive than spending it feeling frustrated. When it’s time to approach the window for your appointment, you will be in a calmer, happier frame of mind—and that might, in fact, speed things up!
Turn Impatience into Gratitude
If you are really struggling with being patient—flip the script. When you notice yourself getting anxious, find three things you can be grateful for, instead. For instance, (back to our DMV example) what are three things you can feel thankful for, rather than impatient about, while standing in line? Perhaps you’re happy that the DMV employees are spending their day helping you with this process. Think about how glad you are that you have the opportunity to drive yourself where you need to go. Appreciate the fact that others also go through this process (a driving test, eye exam, written test), so that our roads are safer.
Embrace Delayed Gratification
Be patient for the big stuff, too. It can be especially challenging to stay even-tempered while working toward your long-term goals. According to an article by Dr. Irene S. Cohen in Psychology Today, “Studies show that delayed gratification is one of the most effective personal traits of successful people.” It’s often worth giving up on some immediate pleasures for the sake of working toward a bigger goal.
Choose to study for your test instead of going to a party. Save your money with the goal of investing in a house versus making frivolous purchases. These types of decisions are often challenging because they delay instant pleasure. However, they’re what will aid you in achieving a variety of goals related to your:
- Career
- Relationships
- Health
- Finances
- And more!
Though the results are worth the effort, delaying immediate happiness can be tough, especially on your own. Consider finding an accountability partner, such as your significant other, a work colleague whom you are comfortable with, or a good friend. They can cheer you on as you encounter obstacles. Welcoming delayed gratification requires time, discipline, and patience—but it’ll put you on the path to a happier life!
Now that you’ve discovered the power of patience, keep pushing toward your goals! Check out some top tips for reaching your goals faster, here.
