Patience Training

I was stuck in traffic, facing a 30-minute delay according to my GPS. Running late for a meeting, I notified my client while I was stopped. I noticed cars exiting the highway and based on my experience and GPS, decided to follow. However, as has happened before, the GPS directed me right back onto the highway. Trusting it, I took the ramp, and…

Big mistake! ?Just added five more minutes to my delay!

Despite the frustration, I remained calm. I immediately informed my client that I wouldn't make it on time, and we rescheduled without any issues. My calmness stemmed from my approach to driving, especially on the highway, which I view as my personal patience training ground.

That’s right – the highway taught me patience!

To manage such situations, I follow a few key strategies. First, I always plan to arrive 10 minutes early. This buffer time helps me avoid rushing and allows me to reset, respond to a likely text message from my wife, and relax before any meeting.

Secondly, I’ve trained myself to stay calm when encountering reckless drivers. Whether it's someone cutting me off, speeding dangerously, or motorcyclists weaving through traffic, I no longer react with anger or judgment. I remind myself that their circumstances might be urgent, like a family emergency. I recall a personal incident from my childhood when my dad rushed me to the ER, cutting off other drivers because I was bleeding profusely, while my mom tried to calm me and contain the mess!

This perspective shift, thinking generously about others' intentions, has helped me immensely. Instead of getting stressed over things I can’t control, I focus on maintaining my own calm and patience. This approach doesn't just apply to driving but also in places like grocery stores or amusement parks where people might cut in line.

By controlling what I can—such as arriving early—and not getting worked up over what I can't, I’ve transformed my behavior. I now identify as a patient person, and it has made a significant positive impact on my life. Calm, cool, collected.

I encourage you to try this approach for the next 30 days. Use your time on the highway as patience training. You won’t regret it.

It's a simple yet effective way to cultivate a more relaxed and positive mindset.