AN IMPATIENT PERSON GUIDE TO BE PATIENT

One thing you should know about me is that patience is not one of my virtues.

I have a tendency where I need everything to be figured out right immediately, and if things are in flux, I become anxious.

We're all aware that we have the ability to conjure up the worst-case situations in our brains. Is the conclusion of our worries ever anything like what we imagined? No.

I believe that anxiety and impatience are linked; when you're anxious about something, you don't know what will happen and you simply want it to end. You know what to expect when you're impatient, but you simply want it to happen now. In any case, you want things to be over (despite the fact that we all know you shouldn't).

Rather than allowing all of the "what-ifs" to get me down, I'm learning to embrace the fact that I can't always be in charge.

When I'm irritated, apprehensive, or concerned, it's because I don't feel in control of the situation. Sure, I can plan ahead for some things, but it's pointless to try to anticipate every last detail.

Here are three tips to help you be more patient:

If you're in a similar situation where you want to be in charge of every last detail but can't, try these tips:

1. Make a list.

Make a list of everything you're worried about or impatient about right now. Many of the minor concerns we have, grow larger in our minds than they are in reality, and having them written down can help us put them into perspective. Write down what you want the solution to be for each 'issue' and whether you have power over it right now. If that's the case, go ahead and do it. If not, try the next suggestion...

2. Find a way to divert your attention.

Take a pause, slow down, and remind yourself that you're ready for everything that comes your way. Allow yourself to be distracted for a bit and then let go.

3. Be grateful for what you have.

'What can I enjoy right now?' take a deep breath and ask yourself. You have complete control over this. That is something you can always give yourself. Take a glance around and write down what you notice and how it makes you feel. When you ask yourself what you can enjoy, it takes your attention away from whatever it is that you're frustrated about. It permits you to divert your attention to something else for a while.