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| Photo courtesy of amenic181 via FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
We have all heard the expression “Good things come to those
who wait”. Although it may be true, I hate that line. I admit it – I can be an
impatient person. I hide it well however, I want things to move at a fast pace,
my pace. If things don’t move fast enough I tend to take over. I easily become
bored and I don’t have time to wait on others. For the impatient crowd, life
and technology have only caused many of us to push the envelope. We try to do more
because we can. Technology and the expectations of others pushes us to go more
and strive faster. It’s become an epidemic in our society and it’s not healthy.
Gardening has been a wonderful outlet for me in so many
ways. In addition to connecting me with nature, encouraging my curiosity, and giving
me a sense of purpose, I have willed myself to become more patient. Life is unpredictable
and you can’t force things to grow or change. Some seeds take 20 years to
sprout (I do not have that much patience).
I have trees that I have mail ordered that arrived 2 feet tall. It takes several
years before they resemble what my plant catalog illustrated. I have learned to look at what will be, not at
the current state. I have had to force myself to step back and allow nature to
guide my garden, not my will.
There are many hobbies that help us grow, develop skills,
and build character. Painting, music, and gardening are those that are often
encouraged to help build you up. Over the years gardening has helped me grow
and become stronger in so many ways. It has changed me and prodded me have a
fresh outlook on life. Yes, it has even helped me become a bit more patient.
How gardening helps us grow and become a little more patient
· You learn you can’t rush growth. You can dump
all the water, sunlight, fertilizer, and care on a plant and you will only kill
it. Patience brings you to the finish line.
· You better understand that you can’t control
anything. A plant will grow when it wants. You have no say in the matter.
· Gardening helps you bond and become one with
plants. You learn quiet patience as the garden grows. You are rewarded only when you are patient.
· Your patience is tested every season. I’ve
killed many plants and some have been devastating. I’ve learned to jump back up
and patiently try again. I’ve killed the same species of tree twice and yes, I
bought and planted another. Fingers crossed.
· Apply your patience from the garden to other
areas in your life. At times when your patience is tapped close your eyes and
remember the garden.
· You learn change. You find out the patience that
it takes to change and how it impacts others.
· Your patience will create some of your best
memories. Take them all in and enjoy.
· As you learn positive patience you will grow as
a person just as your garden does. Your trust in yourself flourishes and one
day you will look back and realize just how far your patience has come. Embrace
it!
“A
man who is master of patience is master of everything else” – George Savile
I’m sure that you work with impatient people. Heck, you
may even be one. Impatient people are quick on their feet to rally the troops
to get everything done. They move ahead often too fast, not always
acknowledging details. They want things done yesterday to move onto the next
thing. They can be very disconcerting to organized and methodical team mates.
Sound familiar? Here are some thoughts
to help you become more patient or help those that you are around every day:
·
Step back and look at your team. Remind yourself
that people react differently, grow differently, and can’t change at your pace.
Don’t expect change overnight.
·
Like plants, people grow at their own rate. You
can offer them opportunities, training, or pressure but you can’t force them.
·
Practice patience every day. Pick the one thing
that really annoys you and face it. Put it in front of you to test yourself.
You will face what bothers you and grow.
·
Quit expecting everyone to see things from your
viewpoint. Your vision is not the
vision. Don’t allow yourself to become restless listening to the ideas of
others.
·
Take the time to really get to know the people
that you work with. Understand what drives people and what annoys them. This
will aid you in learning how people work and help you to become more patient.
·
In times of stress because you want to forge
ahead, step back and breathe a few times or sigh. It really works.
·
Create a personal mantra when you find yourself
frustrated. Mine is “I am a leader, I am strong, and I’ve got this”. It helps!
·
Become more compassionate. Put yourself in the
place of others.
·
Write in a journal when you feel frustrated. Writing
it down will help even if you never look at it again. If journaling isn’t your
thing then use sticky notes. Write down what is annoying you then toss it. It
will be out of your mind.
·
Take the time to figure out what triggers your impatience.
This will take time and focus. When and why are you impatient? Are you more on
edge when you are stressed? Angry? Tired? Hangry? You need to label it to fix it.
·
Be an active listener, focus on others, appreciate
others, and force yourself to slow down and enjoy others.
·
Practice, practice, practice!
Are you ready to get your patience on?