Point to Ponder:
Patience can be developed with practice.
What goal or desire are you rushing toward? What is it that you just can’t wait to see unfold in your life? It often seems the thing we want most can take the longest to manifest. And while we’re waiting, it can be tempting to try making something happen—find a solution to your problem or desire that almost fits, but not quite. It may be time to practice patience as the next step to moving forward in your life.
A lack of patience is often a sign of fear, and fear of waiting can sabotage your biggest goals. We want what we want now, so we get anxious and worried and start pushing for things to happen before their time. Slow down. Trust. Breathe. Patience is an act of faith, even when you don’t know when or how things will work out. Consider the key areas of your life. In what ways do you need to practice more patience?
Relationships
Are you short-tempered with people? Irritated when you have to wait in line at the store? Impatient with someone who is trying, but just doesn’t live up to your expectations? Or scared the relationship of your dreams will never be a reality? If you are single and want to be married, one of the biggest mistakes you can ever make is to turn a relationship into more than it was meant to be. Out of fear that another will not come along, that you’re getting too old to get married, or that your options are limited, you might be tempted to marry the wrong person. Don’t do it. Be patient. Trust. Often, just when you relax about it, the door to love will open.
Work
At work, a lack of patience can sabotage your relationships with co-workers or customers and even keep you from putting your skills to use. You’ve got to put in the time before you can advance. As a result, you may be tempted to hop from job to job without establishing momentum in your career.
Finances
I am convinced that the leading cause of consumer debt is a lack of patience. I know this was the case in my twenties when I racked up credit card debt instead of saving for the things I really wanted. A sense of entitlement can cause us to buy things on credit because we think we deserve them—even if we can’t afford them. A little patience in fulfilling your material desires might help you rein in that spending.
Health
If there is one thing that takes patience and perseverance, it’s eating healthy and exercising. The results come slowly and take time before they’re noticeable—which is why diet pills and fad diets are a multi-billion-dollar industry! Are you looking for shortcuts to good health? There aren’t any. Make a commitment to start making changes one at a time and you’ll build up good habits that lead to good health and better looks.
