Patience isn’t just a virtue—it can be the key to success
Have you ever rushed into a project when you knew in your heart the timing wasn’t right? Sometimes, our large egos believe we can handle the consequences. Other times, desperation or fatigue makes us take a job that may not really fit. Or we make a decision to undertake a new project without sufficient due diligence. We so believe in ourselves and our idea (not a bad thing) that we figure things will work out.
My Mom was not a scholar. She was smart; graduated from college in the 1940s; taught before she got married and raised four sons. Nevertheless, I always went to Dad for advice. In hindsight (the great teacher), however, I have come to appreciate my Mom’s wisdom.
June 3, 2015 Journal Entry
I’m sitting by my Mom’s bedside—her first day at the beautiful Agrace Hospicare facility in Fitchburg, WI. This is her third time in hospice care, so I’m not really convinced this is it. She’s sleeping peacefully. She still looks like my Mom, despite her deep wrinkles and drawn face. Beautiful. My thoughts turn to her mind and how as a young adult establishing himself in a career, her words seemed “lightweight” for my “complex” challenges. After listening faithfully, she would often say, “Sounds like a lot to consider…I guess we shall see what we shall see.” My reaction was typically, ‘Thanks, Mom—I’ve got to get going.’
Funny how perspectives change. At this stage of life and work, I fully value the importance of letting things play out or seeing what we will see. I only wish my Mom were still here to give me her cherished advice. Mark Twain said that he was amazed that as he aged, his father became smarter. Moms too.
Ponderings…
Are you challenged by a decision which requires more information? What key person do you need to talk to or what kind of intelligence do you need?
What are the pros and cons of waiting longer before acting on an idea; perhaps allowing some development outside of your control to take place?
Thomas Bachhuber, Ed.D.
President of the Board and Executive Director for The Center for Life Transitions. Tom is responsible for overall Center leadership and strategy. His individual coaching/counseling as well as workshops and retreats focus on integrating leading career development ideas with spiritual exploration. Read more.