Today’s culture is shaped around the idea of fast results. We want next day Amazon delivery, pizza that arrives in 10mins, speedier internet, and buy ab machines that give us a six-pack in 7 days. It appears everything is becoming faster, which only pisses us off when we must wait if there is some form of delay.
The self-help industry doesn’t help either, with the whole manifestation culture, readers are exposed to techniques that give faster results. We are told to take more risks, expect more, and desire more. This only creates less patience and more worry when things are not going to plan.
The majority of people in society want to be known as someone quite exceptional, but it seems as though there are quite a few dropouts when things get tough, because they lack patience. Everyone loves it when we are emotionally stimulated by passion, but it doesn’t seem so exciting anymore when things become mundane, when we can’t push past the pain, or we doubt ourselves. So, it’s highly likeable that we give up when things get a little challenging. Especially when we have no interest in that direction.
There is a saviour to this issue, and it’s called hope. This life tool gives us the confidence to keep going and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Deadline
Sometimes things don’t always work out the way we plan. We are told to write goals for the next 6-12 months and expect everything to be smooth sailing. Life presents many challenges from different directions, and we must learn to adapt and be patient even if that means delaying other aspirations.
The issue here is having strict deadlines because that creates a lot of pressure. Instead, be flexible with deadlines, have leverage with your goals by slightly extending them if necessary to ease off the stress. At times we can create ridiculous expectations of writing hundreds of plans a year. Space them out into priority order. This will also prevent you from altogether giving up on the most important goals to you.
Be the change
Some goals require us to change as people: you want to be a successful businessperson and develop business skills. You want to be a good spouse, and then you will need to make specific changes in yourself, to be a better spouse. The same goes for friendships, children, career, health, hobbies, and interests. There is no point in waiting around for nothing to happen. Have the patience to work on yourself. Don’t forget to give yourself a break once in a while. Otherwise, your end up getting overwhelmed.
Acceptance is vital, especially when dealing with delays, everyday problems, and some form of obstacle. Both Buddhism and Stoicism are centred around the idea of acceptance. That Life is suffering, and some things are better accepted rather than changed. So our job is to focus on changing ourselves instead.
I used to think resilience comes from being built like a powerhouse, by being busy all the time, work until you drop. This only leads to one effect an early grave. Instead, create a good work/life balance and take time out to rest. This builds resilience.
When we learn to accept patience, we stop worrying because we know it will take time to achieve goals. So, we become better at making decisions, we think long term and find peace in our choices. Act despite setbacks, either internally or externally, be flexible with deadlines, and you will eventually attain your goal.