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If you are working on a big project, are following through with action steps toward your goals, or when you are in need of
change that just does not seem to happen, you need patience. Patience in those hard times is often a hard thing to have, yet with the practice of the following 5 steps, you can be patient, even during those trying times.
1. Examine your schedule. Are your expectations for when things are to be done realistic? Have you given yourself enough time to truly finish the task at hand (or have given others enough time to follow through)? If you adjust your schedule to a more realistic approach, anger and frustration often disappear on their own. I can understand, wanting to set tight deadlines, but there is only so much work that can be truly done within a certain time frame. Be mindful of that, when you set your schedule.
2. Make those deadlines concrete. Once you know that you have arranged your schedule to a workable timeline, stick with it. Work on only the projects that need your attention now, and are to be completed first, rather than going back and forth between ideas. Even if it might seem at times tedious work to do, to take action steps on the same project every day, you will get more done in the long run.
3. Recognize the partial wins and celebrate them. Instead of waiting for the project or projects to be completed, allow yourself some celebratory moments for milestones within that project. Not only will that reinforce your patience to make it all the way to the end, but it also shows you how much you have already accomplished, a feeling that can give you the continued motivation to stick with your goal
4. Allow yourself some time during the day where you can rest – may it be by drinking a cup of tea, or going for a walk, or meditating. Clearing your mind not only will give you a better perspective on the tasks at hand, you will feel more refreshed, and ready to concentrate efficiently on your project
5. Use affirmations – either memorize or write them on a little index card that you can take with you in your purse or pocket.
Affirmations repeated often can have a stress-reducing effect, especially when you feel that you are about to loose your patience.
Try the following affirmations or write your own:
- I choose to be patient with and kind to myself today
- My patience is an attribute
- I have much patience and understandingI possess deep patience
- I now have the patience I’ve admired in others
- Today I stay patient through all things
- I have patience to spare
- I find the time to be patient today
- I am the epitome of patience
- I am patient with myself and others today
- I am patient with allowing myself to forgive myself
- I am patient with my lack of patience
- I remain patient in all areas of my life today
Source: The Book of Affirmations (Sharon Elaine)
Extra tip: Try some adult coloring books as a relaxation and stress-reduction tool:
Adult Coloring Book: Relaxation Templates for Meditation and Calming (Volume 1)
Have a wonderful day!