Impatience is defined as being unwilling to wait; intolerance with anything that causes delay or hinders desired results. Although we usually blame external forces for causing our impatience, we have to take responsibility for creating it ourselves.
Yes, the world we live in does bow down to the god of fast everything, but that doesn’t mean we have to do it too. We create and cultivate a great deal of our impatience from within ourselves. These are just a few ways we do that on a daily basis.
When We Compare Ourselves to Others
When we compare ourselves to others, we highlight our faults and don’t appreciate how far we’ve come.
Maybe we still don’t have the degree we’ve been working towards when everyone else our age we know is already well established in their careers.
But, none of us have the same life experiences or come from the same background. Just because others are at different places in their lives doesn’t mean we should be there too. Comparing ourselves and finding ourselves lacking ignores all of the other ways we are “ahead” or in a better place. We each have our own path and unique lessons to learn, which is a good thing!
When We Cling Onto Outcomes
We know what we want. We’ve charted it out and have set our goals. And we know how “it” will happen. Unfortunately, things rarely happen the way we plan on.
And, if we hold onto the idea that the way we have planned things are the only acceptable way for them to happen, we are setting ourselves up for disillusionment, disappointment, and yes, impatience. Setting goals is good, but if we cling too much to the “how’s,” we will miss other opportunities along the way.
When We Believe We Know Best
Once we having a plan or goal firmly in mind, it can be difficult to flow with life. We plan out our lives and believe that we know what will be best for us. When our plans fall apart, it can feel like our lives fall apart with them.
If we can trust in our higher power or the universe to see and understand what truly is best for us, we can let go a little of the reins and be more patient when life doesn’t give us what we think we want or need.
When We Exaggerate Importance
Getting caught up in the details is a very common occurrence for people who want to take life by the throat and make something big happen in their lives. Unfortunately, if we get too caught up in the details, we lose sight of the big picture.
We over dramatize and exaggerate the importance of those little details, which causes us to lose patience. Keeping the big picture firmly in our minds can help us maintain perspective and deal with the details in a way that is more effective.
