I wanted to share today's lesson with all of you, it's about having or developing patience.
Enjoy!!
We all have instances in which we lose our patience. Think of the last time you lost your patience, consider the suggestions of this blog. God knows they have helped me remain more calm and patient. (Those who know me best, know I needed it.)
Many of us are impatient at times, losing control of our patience hurts not only us, but those around us. Impatience raises our stress level and can even cause physical harm to our bodies. Being impatient also damages relationships.
Why Practice Patience?
Others can often see impatient people as arrogant, insensitive, and impulsive. They can be viewed a poor decision makers, because they make quick judgements or interrupt people. Some people will avoid impatient people because of their lack of people skills and bad tempers.
People with these personality traits are unlikely to be at the top of the list for promotions to leadership positions. Impatience can and will affect relationships at home.
How do you know when your being impatient? You will probably experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Shallow Breathing
- Muscle Tension
- Hand clenching/tightening
- Jiggling/restless feet
- Irritability/anger
- Anxiety/nervousness
- Rushing
- Snap/quick decisions
If you experience the symptoms of impatience, you next step is to discover the true cause, or "triggers".
Make a list of things that cause you to become impatient. If you're having trouble identifying your triggers, use these steps:
- Stop and think about the last time you were impatient. What caused it? You can narrow this down to the root by asking the "5 Why's".
- Ask you family, friends or co-workers about your impatience. Chances are that they know what gets you "wound up".
Identifying your triggers helps because it forces you to examine your actions and uncover why you're doing what you are doing. This knowledge also helps you devise strategies to avoid becoming impatient.
Managing the Symptoms
When you feel impatient it's important to get out of this frame of mind as quickly as possible.
Try these strategies:
- Learn to manage your emotions. Remember, you have a choice in how you react in every situation. You can choose to be patient, or choose no to be: it's all up to you.
- Practice active listening and empathetic listening. Make sure you give other people you full attention, and patiently plan you response to what they say.
- Take deep, slow breaths, and count to 10. Doing this helps slow your heart rate, relaxes your body, and distances you emotionally from the situation.
Remember that, although many people are naturally patient, the rest of us need to practice patience for it to become a habit. Becoming more patient won't happen overnight, but do persist- it's so important!
Need help with forming a habit, this website has a great tool.
Talk Soon,
The Mind Power Guy
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