The Unexpected Power Of Patience

Ever felt like your life has a constant chorus of "What's next?" I know I have. I have to plan my next trip. I can’t wait for the weekend. I remember my first meditation teacher saying that the most common movie line is a version of “get me out of here.”

To me, patience feels like an unripe banana—unpleasant and hard to swallow. But as Rousseau said,

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”

Perhaps I could wait for that banana to ripen.

Curiosity as a tool for presence

Instead of bypassing impatience, let’s get curious about it. What sensations do you sense in your body when feeling impatience? How does it affect your breathing or heart rate? Spend 60 seconds witnessing these sensations without judgment. This simple practice can help us shift from a "what's next?" mindset to a “what’s here” mindset, which studies show is a precursor to happiness.

Recall the last time you were fully present, one where you let go of time. You may have been fully engaged in a conversation with friends or colleagues, or mesmerized by nature, like I was recently when I came across a nest of Great Horned Owls. That immersive state probably felt wonderful. That’s what anchoring to the present instead of the “what’s next?” mindset can do for us.

Patience and financial success

And patience isn't just good for our mental health; it can also lead to more financial success. Studies show that patient investors gain more over time. For example, a $200,000 investment in the S&P 500 over 20 years could grow to $1,270,000 with patience, compared to $1,120,000 if reacting to market fluctuations. The same goes for earning money at work—patience is a quality that often correlates with higher income.

Journaling Prompt: Anchoring to the Present

Set a timer for 3 minutes and write your answers to the following questions without editing yourself:

• What if you perceived impatience as a call for attention and love?
• How would that change your relationship with it?