In the age of technology, we are accustomed to things moving quickly. Instant gratification is the name of the game. If we are hungry, we can have food delivered to our door with a few clicks. If we miss someone, we can immediately video chat with them. The virtue of patience is quickly fading from society.

Regardless of the pace at which the world moves around us, patience is still a skill we all need to hone and develop. Patience is a superpower. Regardless of what life throws our way, we all need a significant dose of patience to advance in life. 

But how does one cultivate patience? Like many invaluable virtues, patience doesn’t magically appear overnight. It’s something that must be nurtured over time. The good news?

Here are 6 simple steps to cultivate patience:

1. Change Your Perspective — This means taking the time to analyze your perspective from another point of view. 
2. Understand How Short Term Actions Impact Long Term Goals — Ask yourself, “What did I do today to get closer to my long-term goals?” By asking yourself this question, you’ll learn that growth takes time, and waiting for measurable gains is a part of the journey. 
3. Be Still — Whether this means walking, journaling, or meditating, make sure you take breaks for at least 10 minutes, let yourself calm down, and then come back to the situation. 
4. Name Your Triggers — Write down your patience killers. By naming them, you’ll be more aware when they come up.
5. Reframing — Everything is a matter of perception and you have the power to control those perceptions. Name how you are looking at the situation and re-write that viewpoint to something more positive. 
6. Self-Care — To become more patient, you need to prioritize self-care. This can be as simple as having a restorative bedtime routine which consists of putting the phone away and reading a book. Remember, it will look different for everyone.

~ Cait