Like a chess match or a painful waiting game, patience can be a challenging process and skill we all need to obtain. I’ve posted previously about patience and have also worked hard at developing that skill and becoming more patient in my life.
Exercising patience can be challenging for everyone, whether you are ADD or not. I was discussing an issue today with someone and I went into the phone meeting with one goal…..be patient. As I expected, the ego and bravado appeared on the other end of the phone, but I was prepared. I was reminded of the age old saying “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”. In translation, it is easier to persuade people if you use polite arguments and flattery than if you are confrontational.
I’ve gotta tell you, it works. Mission accomplished! There are three things that my exercise of patience accomplished:
1. No stress, the conversation and take-aways ended in a place that was mutual
2. We maintained focus on the task at hand, instead of forcing a direction and creating stress
3. I actually had fun and feel like a grew as a person
Remember that little bit of patience the next time you are required to do so, and add a little honey on top too!
