Popular wisdom says that patience is the mother of science. And in a world increasingly characterized by instantaneousness, learning to wait can bring great benefits to our personal and work lives. Cultivating patience is a process that involves resistance to our impulses and remaining calm in situations that require time to resolve. Patience is the virtue that teaches us to accept that there are some factors that influence our goals, but they do not depend on us, and that therefore allows us to tolerate frustration, improve our mood and reduce stress levels.
According to an article published by the European Institute of Efficient Intelligences, cultivating patience depends on applying some tips in our daily lives. Below, we stop at each of these strategies to be more patient.
If things do not happen as planned, it is important to relativize the consequences of setbacks. This involves seeing obstacles as opportunities to improve and considering the real significance of the problems. Become aware of exaggerated or fatalistic thoughts and discard them, so you can face your challenges more calmly.
Unreasonable goals can cause you to become overwhelmed and exhausted, which greatly reduces your chances of achieving them. An effective strategy is to divide a goal into small tasks that help you stay focused and satisfied as you accomplish them. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal limitations and recognize that worthwhile things take time.
Although we should avoid comparing ourselves to others, listening to the experiences and perspectives of others can help you be more understanding and patient. It is crucial to understand that each person is unique, with their own rhythms and challenges. This self-awareness of emotions and the mechanisms one has to process them allows us to respond with greater security to delicate or adverse situations.
Practices such as mindfulness allow us to pay attention to the present moment and reduce anxiety about future or hypothetical events. Carefully observing the environment and our emotions helps us detect distorted thought patterns and control impulsive reactions. Training this ability will improve your ability to make decisions, without rushing and with perspectives from different angles.
Taking deep, conscious breaths is a habit that will help you cope with moments of overwhelm or stress. These exercises force us to put aside our busyness and focus on each inhalation and exhalation. Dedicating a few minutes to your well-being will give you the concentration, composure and calm necessary to face everyday situations.
