In a world that’s all about “now, now, now” patience can feel as outdated as dial-up internet. I'm someone who loves to move fast and it is hard for me when things feel slow. But here’s the truth: patience isn’t just “waiting around” —it’s a superpower. One that can completely change your relationship with time, bring more peace into your life and even boost your mental and physical well-being. Let’s chat about why patience matters and, more importantly, how we can actually get better at it.
What Does It Really Mean to Be Patient?
At its heart, patience is about dealing with that gap between what we want now and the speed at which reality delivers it. Are you like me and will yank your food out of the microwave 7 seconds before it’s complete because you just can’t bear waiting any longer? Well, that impatience runs deep. In fact, there was a study that had people waiting for an extended period of time in a room with a device that would give electric shocks. People would start messing with the machine rather than sit and patiently wait! Yikes! No wonder we’re stressed out.
Our hurry to get everything “right now” has created a society constantly teetering on the edge of burnout. When things don’t happen fast enough, that impatience bubbles over into frustration, anger, and even anxiety. We are in a microwave world, but our growth and our success doesn’t happen on our timeline. Sometimes we put in the work, and the results are still delayed. Patience is about learning to work with time instead of fighting against it.
Choosing Patience on Purpose
Being patient isn’t just sitting back and resigning yourself to “whatever happens.” It’s an intentional choice to keep going, no matter how long it takes. It’s like cooking a turkey. You don’t stick that thing in the microwave and hope for the best (unless you like your Thanksgiving with a side of rubbery disaster). No, you slow-roast it. You let the flavors meld, you check in, and you trust the process. Patience is that slow-roasted approach to life—it’s about letting things unfold, knowing that the wait will be worth it.
We are often in a tug-of-war between wanting results right away and the need for long-term investment. Real patience says, “Hang tight; good things take time.”
Waiting Isn’t Wasting Time
Here’s the thing—waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. In fact, patience is an active, powerful choice. It’s engaging with life, taking stock, and growing. Want to flex your patience muscles? Try these tips:
Focus on What You Can Control: Instead of stewing over things you can’t change, redirect your energy. Put your effort where it counts, and you’ll feel less frustrated by what’s out of your hands. For example, I can't control the traffic, but I can control what time I leave for an appointment. Or I can't control what my sales pipeline will decide, but I can control how many conversations I'm having every day.
Think Long-Term: Remind yourself that the best things in life are rarely instant. A long-term view can make the waiting feel not only bearable but meaningful.
Boost Your Serotonin: A happy brain is a patient brain. Scientifically speaking, the more serotonin you have the more patient you will be. Here’s how to up your serotonin game:
Eat Tryptophan-Rich Foods: Foods like turkey (ironic, I know), nuts, and seeds help your brain produce serotonin.
Get Some Sun: Natural light can improve your mood and help you feel more patient.
Exercise: Moving your body is one of the quickest ways to relieve stress and enhance your mental resilience.
Embrace Patience as Your Superpower
In a culture that idolizes speed, choosing patience is almost rebellious. But here’s the beauty of it: by becoming more patient, you’re not just waiting—you’re learning, growing, and truly living.
So, next time you’re tapping your foot, feeling like you might explode, or frustrated by your lack of results, take a breath. Remind yourself that patience is a superpower. The UPside to patience is greater fulfillment and success, one mindful, un-rushed moment at a time. Stay focused, be patient, and do the work. I promise, your breakthrough is coming.
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