“Have patience with all things, but, first of all, with yourself."
- St. Francis de Sales
The “Give me patience - now!” placard has always amused me. It is also revealing and so true for many of us.
Patience can help us. It can fuel our sense of tenacity. It can help us persevere in the face of obstacles and stay focused on our tasks.
Impatience, however, can be a symptom of other behaviors, some of which have negative impacts on ourselves and others. If you are impatient, is it because you want to control people, things, and situations? Is it because you are domineering and always want to have things your way? Is it because you are self-centered? What are the root causes of controlling, domineering, or self-centered behaviors?
Let these questions marinate for a while before answering. Take your time with them . . . be patient.