The Virtue of Patience in an Instant World

In the digital age, where instant gratification isn’t just desired but expected, the ancient virtue of patience has never been more relevant. We’ve seen our collective attention span wane, diminishing our capacity to wait, to endure, and, crucially, to persevere. As we clamor for immediate success and swift victories, we risk losing sight of the enduring sweetness of achievements hard-won over time.

My time in the military instilled in me the principle of tactical patience—the art of allowing events to unfold, of giving situations a ‘beat’ before reacting. This is not about hesitancy but making space for thinking and gaining clarity. It’s about understanding that sometimes, if we act too hastily, we may bypass the opportunities we seek.

In the spaces between action and pause, between decision and outcome, lies the realm where patience operates with the most potency. Tactical patience, a discipline honed in the crucible of military service, is not solely the province of soldiers on the battlefield; it’s a universal principle that can be just as effective in the boardroom as in the combat zone. It’s about discernment, the conscious choice to assess before advancing, ensuring that every step taken is not just in response to the tempo of our environment but is a deliberate stride towards our goals. This willingness to give time its due transforms the impulsive energy of reaction into the focused power of response. In these moments, patience reveals itself not as a passive waiting but as a strategic tool, an ally in the pursuit of excellence.

As defined early on, patience was a positive attribute that embodied the ability to endure and persevere. From the Latin patientia, it implied not just submission but a robust steadfastness, a tolerance for the unfolding of events. In today’s fast-paced environment, embracing patience can be revolutionary. It allows us to make clear, considered choices and approach our objectives with an endurance mindset.

In a world that idolizes speed and immediate results, choosing patience is an act of rebellion, a quiet revolution against the status quo. By valuing patience, we are challenging the pervasive narrative that faster is always better. This revolutionary stance involves taking a step back, reassessing the rush, and understanding that some of the most profound accomplishments arise from a journey marked by thoughtful persistence and resilience. In this context, patience becomes a form of strength, a deliberate choice to swim against the current of instant gratification. It’s about recognizing that true mastery and achievement are often the products of time and sustained effort. By adopting this revolutionary mindset, we set ourselves apart as individuals who understand the power of endurance and the profound impact of well-considered actions over hasty decisions.

So, how can we cultivate patience in a world that constantly pushes us toward immediacy?

• Be present: Appreciate the moment and reduce the urgency for immediate outcomes.
• Set Expectations: Understand that meaningful achievements sometimes take time. By setting timelines, we can foster patience and minimize frustration.
• Reflect on Past Successes: Review past experiences where patience led to positive outcomes. This reflection can reinforce the value of a measured approach.
• Embrace Delayed Gratification: Challenge yourself with tasks that require waiting. This could be as simple as saving up for a purchase rather than buying it on credit or as complex as learning a new skill.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: View patience as an opportunity for growth. Each moment of waiting is a chance to learn and prepare for what’s to come.

The call to action is simple yet profound: let us reframe patience from a passive waiting game to an active, strategic practice. Let’s celebrate patience as an enduring quality that brings depth and satisfaction to our accomplishments.  In an “I want it now” society, be a rebel and demonstrate the positive of patience.

As we embark on this journey of rediscovery, let’s inspire one another to value the moments of waiting, the periods of preparation, and the sweet culmination of persistent effort. Patience is more than a virtue; it’s a strategic ally in our quest for a fulfilling and successful life.

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This first appeared in The Havok Journal on December 7, 2023.

J.C. served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer for 20 years, primarily in special operations and special missions units with more than 11 combat tours. Since retiring from the military, JC has brought his innovative and unconventional thoughts on education, leadership and resiliency into the private sector, consulting with Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, NBA, NCAA and professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.

He holds a Masters Degree from the Naval War College and was a Senior Fellow in the Service Chief’s Fellowship at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

He has earned 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Commendation Medal, and  the Order of Saint Maurice. He is a Liberty Fellow, a part of The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.