Patience Without Purpose Is Puny
Empower your patience with purpose
Every one of us has a measure of patience. How much we possess usually depends on how much effort we put into building that character quality within ourselves. But are we satisfied with the results we achieve when we exercise patience? If not, the problem may lie with not having attached a defined purpose to our patience.
What is patience
The Merriam-Webster dictionary says we can identify patience by these factors.
bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
not hasty or impetuous
steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
able or willing to bear
Empowering patience with purpose
Think of patience as an arrow. If shot without a target in mind, it will sail through the air straight and swiftly, but where it lands is anyone’s guess. In the end, it may accomplish little except losing an arrow.
Shooting that same arrow toward a definite target will not only improve our skill, but it will also accomplish its purpose.
The same principle is true of patience. Each time we conscientiously utilize patience with a specific purpose in mind, we improve our ability to focus and direct that patience to where it will do the most good.
One very good article that focused on having a purpose attached to our patience was one that focused on the mindset of those in responsible leadership positions.
5 Powerful Ways Leaders Practice Patience
What patience with purpose is NOT
- It’s not just being long-suffering.
- It’s not ignoring the issues.
- It’s not zoning out until the situation or person causing the problem moves on.
What patience with purpose IS
- It’s broadening our perspective of the problem beyond our personal feelings.
- It’s being concerned about the person or situation causing the problem and considering how we might affect a change for the better through our patience.
- It’s maintaining a positive attitude along with hope for improvement in the other person or situation.
- It’s having a ‘willing spirit’ as stated in the dictionary’s definition above.
Consequences of impatience
It’s time for a reality check. What comes to your mind when you think about someone you know who lacks even rudimentary patience skills?
Yikes! I agree. Loud, angry, obnoxious, and demanding are just a few descriptive terms that come to my mind. And what results from this type of character flaw?
You’re impossible to work with
Builds a negative perspective, as nothing ever seems to go your way
Alienates you from others
Ruins your reputation
Robs you of peace, joy, and happiness
If these things are true, and we all know they are, then having and displaying patience with a purpose will naturally create the opposite conditions.
What are the benefits of practicing patience with purpose
Others will enjoy working with you because of your reasonableness and ability to work through any trying situations.
Your perspective will swing to the positive rather than the negative.
Others will be drawn to you — not repelled
Your reputation will be that of a mature and well-balanced individual
Your happiness and sense of wellbeing will increase
In conclusion
It’s time to look for a specific purpose the next time a situation calls for our exercising patience.
