Patience means showing restraint and diligence when engaged in activities or stressful situations. There are times when patience needs to be put aside for a more direct approach. Usually stress occurs when another person tries to forcefully impose their will on us in a way that disrespects who we are. That’s when our patience usually runs out. Let me suggest three things I use to help with my patience.
First. Take a second to collect your thoughts before reacting. Resist the temptation to spout off or act impulsively. Think where you’re going with what you are about to say and how the outcome of what you say will develop. If you spout off without thinking, the battle is on. If you take time to think about how to diffuse a stressful situation and tone the aggressiveness down, it becomes a win for both parties involved.
Second. Tone of voice and sarcasm can escalate any situation into a heated exchange. Don’t be baited into an exchange that will escalate in yelling, cussing or disrespecting someone or yourself. Try to keep your voice steady, methodical, and at a conversational tone. Slow down, ponder if a situation warrants a heated exchange or if the situation in reality means very little concerning who is right and who is wrong. I find most of the time a heated exchange is not worth the outcome.
Third. Think of yourself as a good person, always take the high road. Think of those who are watching to see how you handle yourself in stressful situations. Remember your actions can potentially influence family, friends, children, or others how to react when presented with a stressful situation, whether it is real or perceived.
All three of the above suggestions happen quickly and efficiently with a little practice. Patience is a thought process that is developed over time with the desire to achieve the best possible outcome.
