Patience and Persistence

Ahhh, patience.

Being patient often brings about a heavy, dreadful sigh. Is it the same for you?

Naturally, I’m not a patient person. My instinct is to do things myself if I want it done the “right” way (even though the “right” way is completely subjective) or if I want something done now (as in right this minute, not in a bit or later today or next week).

I don’t like it. I don’t like having to be patient and I’m not fond of my reaction to it but that doesn’t mean being patient is not a good thing or that it’s not necessary at times.

Patience is…

Patience is allowing my insistent toddler to buckle herself in her carseat. Although I may be uncomfortable standing at her door in 30 mph winds on a winter day, I’m allowing her to build her confidence and independence.

Patience is being flexible with my schedule when I’m waiting for a returned call or email that will influence my priority of tasks for the day. Although not receiving an immediate response may be inconvenient in that moment, it does not mean time will be wasted. The in-between time allows for progress and completion of other tasks.

Patience is finding peace and fulfillment in the season of your life you are currently in and knowing that your goals and vision of success will happen when they’re meant to, as long as your putting in the effort in the meantime. THIS lesson in patience is the one that truly tests my patience.

Patience and Persistence Have an Interesting Relationship

While I’m more self-aware and successful with my patience with others, being patient with myself is what I struggle with most, particularly when it comes to being persistent and taking action to move towards my goals.

As a naturally impatient person, I want things to happen the right way and right away. Ironically, those desires mixed with feelings of urgency, discontentment and discomfort halts all progress. You’d think those feelings would create a let’s-get-it-done attitude rather than a let’s-not-do-anything-because-its-not-happening-fast-enough-and-I-don’t-know-how-to-do-it-right kind of attitude.

Patience and Persistence Go Hand-in-Hand

I’ve learned those feelings of urgency, discontentment and discomfort stem from fear and it is the fear that brings about frustration and guilt about my lack of persistence and progress. So when I’m feeling frustrated and guilty and I’m procrastinating by doing other things, I know that’s when I need to move beyond fear and take action.

The universe will not miraculously make your dreams come true while you alternate between sitting on the couch binge watching Netflix and keeping yourself busy with laundry and meal prep and tidying up because you’re fearful of taking action on THAT THING you want to make happen.

I’ve also learned that even when things aren’t happening how you would like or as fast as you want, there can still be moments of peace and contentment.  When I have the feeling that it’s just not the right time to make the call or click the Publish button or try the new thing, even when I know that’s the action I need to take next, I trust and have faith in His timing.

The universe will reward you for putting in effort when it feels right, even if it’s a few minutes here and there. Even if it’s not perfect. As long as you’re taking action that is true and authentic to you, THAT THING will happen.  It may not happen how you hoped or expected it would, but it will happen. You may learn Strategy A may not be working so you must try Strategy B. It may be five months from now or five years from now but it will unfold how it needs to unfold.

As we are persistent with our actions, we must also be patient. 

RELATED: Finding Wonder in Your Reality

There is a reason for the waiting. There is purpose in the failed attempts. It’s okay if things take a little extra time.

Persistence can accompany patience. Patience must be practiced. Patience is a virtue. It really is.