Cool to Be Impatient

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, impatience is often at the center of attention. We're all familiar with that tormenting feeling when things don't move at the pace we want them to. However, impatience is more than meets the eye. It's not just a hassle, it's part of being human. This article aims to explore the impact of impatience on our mental well-being, how it influences our decision-making, ways to cope with it, and how we can learn to co-exist with both patience and impatience.

Impatience is when you want something to happen quickly or when you are easily annoyed by someone's mistakes or because you have to wait.

Impatience is rooted in frustration. It's a feeling of growing stress that starts when you feel your needs and desires are being ignored. Our society has gotten worse every year, patience levels are falling compared to a generation ago. Our patience is shifting to "The sooner, the better".

An Ohio University study showed that people are impatient not only when thinking about whether to wait or not for a larger reward in the abstract, but they are even more impatient when they actually must wait to receive a larger reward. For example, another survey found that the average person grows frustrated after waiting 16 seconds for a webpage to load, and 25 seconds for the traffic signal to change. It only takes 22 seconds for people to start cursing their computers or TVs if a show or movie doesn’t immediately start streaming correctly or if a phone takes longer than 11 minutes of charging to turn on, that’s “too long.” That is absolutely interesting. Surprisingly, in this survey, 95% of respondents still admitted that they believe patience is a virtue.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Impatience

Picture this: you're stuck in traffic, your fingers are tapping impatiently on the steering wheel, and your mind is racing with frustration. It's not just traffic; it's a snapshot of how impatience can nudge its way into our lives. While a dash of impatience is completely normal, letting it run wild can stir up a storm of negative emotions. Research suggests that prolonged impatience can be like a steady drip that wears down the rock of our mental health. Increased stress, elevated anxiety, and a general sense of dissatisfaction can become unwelcome companions.

Impatience is not only a state of mind but also an influential factor in decision-making. Think about the time you hastily bought something online, only to regret it later. That's the impatience impetus in action. It can make us rush into decisions without fully considering the consequences. Impatience can skew our judgment. Impulsive decisions driven by impatience might give us a quick fix, but they often lead to long-term regrets.

Taming Impatience

So how can we tame this wild horse of impatience? It turns out it's not about chasing it away but learning to work together. Mindfulness, our trusted guide, can change the game. Practices like deep breathing, meditation or simply being present can help us notice our impatient impulses and choose a wiser response.

Next time you find yourself simmering with impatience, try the "Three-Breath Pause." Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and ask yourself, "Is this impatience serving me?" This simple pause can make a world of difference in how you respond.

Juggling Patience and Impatience

It's a balancing act, this dance between patience and impatience. While impatience might have a negative reputation, it's not all bad. In the right doses, it can be the spark that fuels our dreams. The key is to know when to let it rule and when to hold it in check. Patience, our experienced partner, steps in when the situation calls for a firm hand.

In conclusion, impatience is not just a nagging fly; it is part of our human experience. Balancing it with patience is like walking a tightrope. While the effects of impatience on our mental well-being and decision-making are real, it is not the villain it is portrayed to be. By embracing mindfulness, taming our impulsive tendencies, and welcoming both patience and impatience into our lives, we embark on a journey of insight and personal growth.

Remember, personal development is not a quick fix, but a journey you take and enjoy while shattering your negative beliefs and increasing your self-esteem. I'm here to support and encourage you every step of the way.