Patience is something I have to work very hard on, and I suspect this is true for many of my fellow sales professionals. I’ll take results over sleep any day, and I find it as difficult to sit still as a shark would to stop swimming. My focus is on outcomes, and I live for achievements. I’m not sure why God made me this way—it certainly brings a lot of admirable qualities—but it also comes with significant drawbacks. In our pursuit of success, we often trade patience for stress, and stress is a powerful force. It tempts us to skip steps, avoid the present, and bulldoze over essential learning moments. When we skip those learning moments, we’re often forced to revisit them later. We end up disappointed when things don’t turn out as expected, and, like a child who didn’t get what they wanted, we throw mental tantrums. Was your goal achievable? Maybe, probably—but often, God won’t give you what you want until you get what you need first.
We’ve all heard stories of people coming into large fortunes overnight (something we’d all want), only to lose it just as quickly because they lacked what they needed—like fiscal discipline. So, ask yourself, “If I don’t have what I want right now, is it because I don’t have what I need first?” Whether in sales, leadership, or our personal lives, we often want to skip the journey and go straight for the prize. We know the path will involve struggle, and we want to avoid that. But the challenge is what we need because it makes us more resilient, worthy, and valuable. Without first gaining what we need, we risk losing whatever it is that we want—and may even find ourselves worse off than when we started. Don’t avoid the struggle as you work toward your goals. You may be stuck, but there’s always a pathway forward.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of obsessing over hitting the final goal, acknowledge the progress you’re making along the way. Each small win is a step forward, and focusing on incremental growth builds patience. - Embrace the Process
Success is a journey, not a sprint. Break your larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will allow you to focus on what you can achieve today, reducing the urge to skip ahead. - Set Realistic Timelines
Unrealistic deadlines create unnecessary pressure and stress. Be honest with yourself about how long things should take, and give yourself time to learn from the process without rushing. - Practice Mindfulness
Patience comes from being present. Take moments throughout your day to pause, reflect, and breathe. This will help you stay calm and grounded, even in high-pressure situations. - Seek Growth, Not Just Outcomes
Remind yourself that each challenge helps build the skills and resilience needed for long-term success. The lessons learned from the journey are just as valuable, if not more so, than the final achievement.