By Kathleen Boucher
The cashier at the grocery store apologizes for making me wait for two and a half minutes. I hear my colleagues declare in frustration that the computer system is slow at work. People experience road rage when stuck in traffic. A child gives up when he doesn’t solve a math problem.
Is this a by-product of fast internet, a sense of entitlement, or a loss of patience in learning something new or waiting in line? Have we created an entire generation of individuals addicted to scrolling on cell phones, afraid that they’ll miss something important only to stay on each page for less than 20 seconds?
Have you noticed that patience is a crucial skill for achieving success? Can patience be learned? The answer is yes.
Anyone interested in the brain’s response while waiting is encouraged to read the article “Waiting and the Brain: How Patience Shapes Neural Process.”¹
For those of us who are unable to find the time to read the article, here is the key takeaway.
“But here’s where it gets really interesting: frequent exposure to waiting situations can actually lead to long-term neuroplasticity. That’s right, your brain can physically change and adapt to become better at waiting. It’s like building a patience muscle through repeated use.”¹
The ability to improve at waiting is good news. Patience is required when learning a new skill, waiting in line, or waiting to hear back from someone.
The more you practice waiting, the more patience you’ll develop. As a side note, please be nice to the cashier at the grocery store.
Wishing you great success in all that your endeavours.
