Balancing Patience and Impatience When It Comes to Your Goals

We often hear that our strengths can act as weaknesses, but we rarely hear about how our weaknesses can also act as strengths. This concept is just as important in our understanding of ourselves and our growth.

In her seminal work, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Debbie Ford describes weaknesses as strengths that are turned up too loud. This perfectly captures my lifelong battle with my patience, or more accurately, my impatience.

Since I was little, I have been impatient. I have always wanted things when I have wanted them and have not always been so gracious when I do not get them. This has caused problems when I have become pushy or inflexible. Others have been quick to point out my impatience, always in a negative way and never as a compliment. But I wonder if this challenge of mine is simply a strength turned up too loud.

Impatience can certainly cause problems, but when the volume is just right, it can also accomplish great things. We cannot reach our goals by waiting. We have to go after what we want.    

Be impatient with your goals. Don’t wait for a perfect moment that will never come. Make the moment perfect for what you want to do.

BUT

Learn to be patient with the process, because everything is a process. That does not mean you should sit back and wait for something to happen. You must be continue to be impatient in going after what you want but with an understanding that the process takes time. When you rush the process, you often hinder your chances of success.

So much of your success in reaching your goals hinges on your willingness to get started and get comfortable with not being very good when you start. When you work with your staff to help them develop and grow, you also need to exhibit patience. Be impatient in addressing what you need to address, and be patient with the process of doing so. Change is hard and you need to be intentional with the patience you offer to others. Be as generous with the patience you offer yourself as you work toward your own positive change.

So much of the work you do requires balance. In terms of reaching your goals, balancing patience and impatience is necessary. It is important that you are impatient in going after what you want while making sure you are patient with the process of getting there.