Patience my dear Watson!
Continuing from Tuesday’s post, Focus on People, here’s another good saying: “Patience is a virtue”. I say it’s more like a gift. It’s a gift to give to others, and it’s a gift that others have given us. It’s one to which I can confidently say that none of us has perfected. It must be purposefully practiced and internally desired. And this time of year is the perfect test of our patience.
The real test this season started with Black Friday. And then there comes more shopping, standing in long lines, spending too much money, being in the car too long, family gatherings (with some family that you may find it harder to “gather” with than others) and it doesn’t end there. You still have a business to run, you still have work to do! Take a much needed deep breath. Don’t try to be a super hero all the time. And give the gift of patience to those in line with you, those in the car with you, those you gather with. Whether they are strangers, your children, your spouse, your parents, your crazy uncle or your clients. Whoever they are, they will all be better served by the gift of your patience.
Don’t forget, you need it too. Give patience to yourself. Take your time to do your best, and don’t get frustrated that your best may take a little longer than you’d like. I know that my message here may counter the instinct of the day and age in which we live. But I believe that we all fall victim to a plugged-in, competitive culture that demands more of us than ever before. I believe, a good counter to that is more patience. We’re programmed to set our expectations so high that we set ourselves up for a fall of a much greater distance when they’re not accomplished. What’s worse, we’re told we can do anything that we set our minds to. Maybe to some degree that’s true, but not without realistic goal setting, and much patience.
Personal trainers should know that better than most, because your clients have to be reminded of it. You have to work steadily and with conviction in order to achieve long-term fitness goals. A good thing to remember for most of life’s aspirations is conviction and consistency. But, without patience, you’re much more likely to give up. Don’t give up! Don’t let the sting of our human transgressions and the demands of our society keep you from recognizing your potential.
It’s a new day, it’s a new year! Give more love and patience to others this year. BE the RESOLUTION by being the representative of goodwill and respect for mind, body and soul.
