In our search for instant gratification we have lost the capacity to tolerate delay.   The truth is most of the things that trigger impatience – a slow driver in front of you, delayed email, long check-out lines in a store, being put on hold – are really minor inconveniences.  Our anger should be directed to the UGLY TRUTH:

IMPATIENCE IS COSTING US OUR LONG-TERM GOALS. 

When we don’t see immediate results we create a story about why something didn’t work, sometimes we move on to something new and other times we quit.   It takes patience to achieve big goals.   Without the patience to focus, take action, then monitor and measure success we are left to speculate.   How much of your life has been based on speculation because you weren’t patient?

Patience is a virtue and it’s time to practice.  Here are some ways you can develop a patient state of mind:

1. Identify triggers – what makes you impatient?  Make a list of the things that incite your impatience.  Work on ways to accept or avoid those situations in the future.
2. Watch for patterns – understanding impatience patterns will help you recognize the root cause of the triggers so you can create systems for success to help deal with the situation.
3. Put it in perspective – what is the long-term impact of the situation?  If it’s a minor inconvenience focus your energy on the bigger picture.    
4. Breath – deep breaths slow your heart rate and help you relax.
5. Create a pattern interrupt – you get what you focus on.  Create an interruption to your impatient mindset.  Focus your thoughts on the outcome you want instead of the situation you are in.
6. Let it go – If you have no control over the situation, let it go.  Redirect your thoughts on things within your control: your reaction and actions. 

“Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily.”   James J. Corbett