I believe there’s too much societal pressure on people to rush through life, often leading them to make hasty decisions that they later regret. The result of this pressure is that many people end up living lives based on expectations that are difficult to fulfill.
In this article, I’m going to attempt to persuade you that there is no harm in choosing to practice patience, just as there’s no harm in making quick decisions when necessary. I’ll do this by sharing 8 things that people who have mastered the art of patience never do.
The crux of it all is that our decisions should originate from our own beliefs and not from external pressures that instill fear or doubt about our way of life.
By the time you reach my concluding thoughts, I hope to have convinced you that there is no harm in choosing patience, just as there’s no harm in choosing speed when required.
1) They never rush decisions
This was a challenging concept for me to grasp.
“Acting quickly” came from the belief that my time was always running out. But the reality is that impulsive decisions often led to regrettable outcomes.
Let me elaborate.
Think about nature right now. A tree grows gradually. The sun rises and sets in its own time. Seasons change in their due course. While you’re reading these words, day has turned into night somewhere in the world.
If you’re going to embrace patience, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you don’t always have to rush. You’re allowed to take your time.
It’s essential to let go of the illusion of urgency that comes from believing you always need to act quickly. You don’t. Your decisions do carry weight, and they are most beneficial when they are well thought out. When you act patiently.
2) They never ignore the present moment
This was an unexpected realization for me.
“Always planning ahead” comes from the belief that I need to be prepared for every possible future scenario. However, the truth is that in constantly planning, I was missing out on the richness of the present moment.
Allow me to elaborate.
Consider a beautiful sunset right now. The vibrant colors merging and changing in the sky, the calming effect it has. While you are engrossed in reading these words, somewhere a breathtaking sunset is taking place.
If you’re going to master patience, it’s vital to understand that being present is key. You’re meant to enjoy this very moment.
It’s crucial to let go of the illusion of constant planning that comes from believing you always need to be prepared. You don’t. Your experiences are valuable, and they are most enriching when experienced fully. When you are present in the moment.
As this sage once said:
“Live in the present, forget the past. Give up hopes of the future.”
When you constantly plan for the “next thing,” you give too much power to the future. You lose your grip on the present.
Now, I value my current moment more. Sometimes I get carried away with future plans. Other times I am lost in past memories. But I don’t worry about this anymore.
3) They never let impatience dictate their actions
You might convince yourself that acting hastily is the best way forward, but before long, you might find yourself regretting those impulsive decisions.
You might even find yourself on the receiving end of the consequences of those hasty decisions. Few situations can be resolved smoothly after such a storm.
Impatience tends to take control in all aspects of life, but if you willingly put yourselves in a position to act impatiently, you are asking for trouble.
Also, it’s important to ask yourself about the role of impatience in your life.
Perhaps you and your peers are feeling restless because you’re chasing after immediate results.
Often, we chastise ourselves for impatience, as though it’s something that we shouldn’t exhibit.
Perhaps it’s time to acknowledge these feelings. They may be a sign that you’re skipping important steps in your journey.
The key is not to let impatience dictate your actions but understand its place as a feeling that can be managed and controlled. Patience is not just about waiting; it’s about maintaining a positive attitude while waiting.
4) They never underestimate the value of time
I began this piece by focusing on the concept and practice of patience.
The thing is, patience and understanding of time also influence how we treat our lives and those of others.
In my case, I tend to get absorbed in my tasks. I become engrossed in the process of waiting for the outcome.
My intentions are good. I believe that patience has the potential to bring about the best results in my life.
But when I get so absorbed, I can slip into the habit of thinking my patience is more important than the current moment. I can lose touch with reality. I become aloof and am probably not such an engaged person to be around.
If I judged myself for my intentions, I wouldn’t question my behavior.
Instead, because I don’t focus solely on my intentions, I am more able to reflect on my actions and change how I behave. I am learning to balance patience with presence and appreciate the time in my life.
How you value time is what matters, not just the patience that drives your behavior.
5) They never let fear of the unknown dictate their actions
I remember a time when I was offered a job opportunity in a different city. The thought of moving to a new place and starting afresh was daunting.
My initial reaction was fear – fear of the unknown, fear of change, and fear of potentially making a mistake. I almost declined the offer based on these fears, almost allowed my impatience for certainty to dictate my decision.
But then, I remembered my practice of patience. I took my time to think it through, weighed the pros and cons, and consulted with my close ones. I reminded myself that life is full of uncertainties and sometimes, we need patience to unravel its mysteries.
Today, looking back, I realize moving was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It opened up new avenues for me both personally and professionally.
People who have mastered the art of patience understand that fear of the unknown is natural but they never let it dictate their actions. They take their time, maintain composure, and make decisions based on careful thought rather than hasty fear-driven impulses.
6) They value the power of pause
People who’ve mastered the art of patience understand and appreciate the power of pause. They see these moments of pause, not as wasted time, but as opportunities for reflection and growth.
Here’s the critical point:
This practice encourages us to slow down, to understand our responses, and to value the wisdom gained from these quiet moments.
For those feeling overwhelmed, introducing pauses can provide a sense of balance. It’s a reminder that we are part of a larger rhythm, a cycle that includes both movement and stillness.
Valuing the power of pause allows us to see our journey as part of a broader spectrum and can provide a sense of purpose and tranquillity.
7) They never shun impatience
While mastering the art of patience, one might assume that feeling impatient is a failure or setback. But, individuals who have truly mastered patience understand that it isn’t about banishing impatience altogether.
In fact, they recognize that impatience is a natural human emotion, just as valid and important as any other. It can serve as a catalyst for change, a signal that something needs attention or adjustment.
They don’t shun impatience, but rather observe it, understanding its place and purpose. They know that to master patience doesn’t mean never feeling impatient. Instead, it means knowing how to respond to impatience in a way that is constructive and beneficial.
Counterintuitively, by embracing and understanding their moments of impatience, they strengthen their overall patience. It’s not about suppressing or denying impatience but managing it with wisdom and grace. They know that true patience is not the absence of impatience but the ability to handle it effectively.
Bottom line: It could be a life-changer
The complexities of human behavior and choices often have deep-rooted connections with our personal growth and development.
One such connection is the relationship between individuals who have mastered the art of patience and their overall quality of life.
The practice of patience, prevalent in many cultures and philosophies, acts as a fundamental virtue, playing a pivotal role in personal and professional success.
For those who have mastered patience, it could be a key factor in their ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. The practice potentially induces a sense of calmness and contentment when they find themselves in challenging situations.
Whether it’s waiting for the right opportunity, facing adversity, nurturing relationships, or bringing dreams to fruition, the underlying practice of patience might be enhancing their experience.
As Leo Tolstoy once said, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” So remember, while mastering the art of patience might not always be easy, it can be a life-changing endeavor that’s well worth the effort.
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