Life moves much faster today than about 10 years ago, and one thing that we all run short of is patience. Once a valued quality, today we hardly have the time or capability for patience.

In a world of instant coffee and blazing fast internet speeds, how does one develop true patience? Well, these 4 steps are a great place to start. Learn how to develop your own inner zen through easy, simple methods.

Step 1: Break The Instant Gratification Habit

Today, a lot of our impatience is built from one thing: we’re too used to getting the things we want, right when we want them. You want to see a movie? You can book it on your phone in a sec. Thinking about a trip? You can book flights, hotels and activities in two minutes.

Consciously break out of this mode: the next time you’re craving ice cream, walk to a shop instead of ordering it. Wait for your next salary before buying those shoes you really want, instead of swiping your credit card.

With delayed gratification, you’ll develop a solid amount of patience.

Step 2: Recognize Your Impatience

Learn to watch how you react to people, circumstances, and things that test your patience. Impatience starts with discomfort in a situation, or with a person. When you learn to watch for this, and teach yourself how to avoid losing your patience, things change.

Step 3: Taking Deep, Long Breaths

Deep breaths are very, very effective. Don’t dismiss it before you truly try it.

The next time you’re stuck in line behind someone who is acting like the sloths from the movie Zootopia, do this: slowly count to 10 in your head. As you do this, breathe in and out. Be conscious of your breathing, and focus on it.

Your impatience and building irritation will fade away.

Step 4: Think Before You Blab… Er, Speak

In most irritating circumstances, we’re all most likely to shoot off our mouth, with little regard for the outcome. Developing patience here is training yourself to think before you speak.life skills

This is easier said than done; the trick is to constantly watch yourself.

Use these simple techniques to slowly develop control in trigger situations, and improve your patience. Don’t worry, it takes everyone some time to develop this control; don’t give up till you see a change.

It’s good for you—and everyone around you—in the long run.

References:

https://www.essentiallifeskills.net/patience.html

https://iqdoodle.com/have-patience/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-zesty-self/201109/four-steps-developing-patience