There is an old saying, “Patience is a virtue.” In our world today, we aren’t used to waiting. Things move quickly, sometimes almost instantaneously. Our food can be microwaved, our entertainment is on-demand, and our mobile devices can access almost any answer we feel the need to find in mere seconds after we feel the need to find it.
Our society says, “I want it and I want it now.”
The reality is that although technology has greatly increased the pace at which we live life, there are still certain things that take an investment of time. For example, if I want to learn to play the piano, it’s a process.
When I set out on the journey, I must realize that I may have setbacks. Perhaps I will struggle with a certain technique and I will need to put in extra hours, days, or weeks to work through my challenges.
Here is what I observe about others and myself: we frequently give up on our dreams for no other reason than a lack of patience.
Now, playing the piano is a simple illustration, but the need for patience really applies to everything valuable in life. Here are 3 things that I believe to be true:
- It takes time to change.
- It takes time to grow.
- It takes time to develop wisdom.
So, if your dream requires change or growth or wisdom (which all worthwhile dreams are certain to require), then I suggest that you deliberately choose to be patient with yourself and with the process.
Celebrate the setbacks and challenges and the time it takes to overcome them. That time invested is taking you ever closer to your dream.
- Exercise:
What parts of your becoming are you trying to rush through?
How can you slow down and be patient with the process?
Integral Development Forum 