Patience is a Virtue: How to Practise Patience in a Fast-Paced World

Patience has always been considered a virtue. It allows us to stay calm and composed when things don’t go according to plan. It helps us avoid frustration and disappointment while we wait for results to unfold. However, practising patience is not always easy. We live in a fast-paced world where we want everything done as quickly as possible. So, how do we cultivate this important skill? Below are a few tips on how to practise patience.

Recognize that patience is a skill:

Patience is something that can be developed like any other skill. You have to start by recognizing that it’s a skill and that it takes time and practice to perfect it. You don’t become patient overnight, but with time, you develop a sense of calmness and composure that helps you handle any situation.

Learn to Control Your Emotions:

When you’re in a situation that tests your patience, your emotions can go haywire. You may feel anger, frustration, and disappointment, among other things. However, it’s important to learn to control your emotions. One way to do this is to take a deep breath and count to ten. This simple action can help you calm down and approach the situation with clarity and objectivity.

Practice Mindfulness:

Practising mindfulness is an excellent way to cultivate patience. When you’re mindful, you’re more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and you learn to accept them without judgement. It can help you become more patient because you’re not reacting to situations but rather responding with a clear mind.

Set Realistic Expectations:

When you set unrealistic expectations, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. It’s essential to set realistic expectations and understand that everything takes time. When you have realistic expectations, you’re more likely to be patient and avoid disappointment.

Take Small Steps:

Practising patience is not something you can achieve overnight. It’s a gradual process that comes with constant practice. It’s important to set small goals for yourself and work towards achieving them. This can be as simple as waiting an extra few minutes before you react to a situation or taking a few deep breaths before responding.

Whether we like it or not, we are all going to face situations that require patience. However, practising patience is not easy, but it’s worth it. With time and constant practice, you can cultivate this important skill and become the person that can handle any situation with ease. Remember to recognize that patience is a skill, learn to control your emotions, practice mindfulness, set realistic expectations, and take small steps. In the end, you will be happy with the results, and your life will be more peaceful. So, start cultivating patience today, and you’ll never regret it!

Want to know more? Discover more about the benefits of scientific mindfulness meditation in Dr. Elise Bialylew’s book The Happiness Plan 💛