Patience Is A Virtue?
June 11th, 2008 by 
JD
Have you ever taken a minute to slow down? No, of course not! You are on the fast track to success! (At least that is how I would have responded to the question.) Slowing down doesn’t seem to fit in with moving up or moving forward. We live in an instant world where success is measured by how far you go and how quickly you get there.
So, what is the value in having patience? Where does it fit in as a benefit to our goals for success?
I’ve struggled with this question many times and here is what I came up with. Patience is a virtue because it forces us to slow down. In the day-to-day action for achievement we are so driven, so focused, and so out of touch with our surroundings. Moving fast is great for getting to the next spot, but what passes by can be more meaningful than where we end up.
So, the next time your kid starts to tell you the world’s longest story about their field trip or a friend calls right in the middle of your next big step…take a minute to slow down. Enjoy the amazing lessons life throws at you and realize that it only takes a small moment of patience to make someone else feel on top of the world.
Posted in Reality Check | 
June 12th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thanks for reminding us to stop and just appreciate the moment. Whether it is a friend that needs us to listen or a child that needs your help or has a story to tell you, taking the time now will help you avoid having regrets in the future. Do stop and smell the roses, all that multi-tasking that we do today will still be there waiting for us tomorrow. I am working on teaching by example about patience to my 3 year old grandson and because I take the time and patience (at least most of the time) nothing is better than him saying “Grandma, I Love You, you’re the best.”
June 12th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I love your statement, “all that multi-tasking that we do today will still be there waiting for us tomorrow.”
This is so true! It is hard to let things go unfinished, but the reality is walking away can bring better focus and fresh ideas.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I believe that one must slow down before they can speed up. I agree patience is a virture. I was reminded recently that having patience, even in relationships, will cause us to strengthen our relationships.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Doug! You are totally right…relationships can benefit and even “strengthen” when patience is applied.
I have just experienced a similar finding (literally last week). One thing that really helped us to slow down was creating a “designed alliance” or written document that bottom lines what each person wants out of the relationship.
We did ours on a notepad during a picnic. It only has about 6 bullet points, but it helped to created a shared understanding of how we can best support one another.