Promising, But Killing: Why Our Impatience is Sabotaging Our Success

I had a fascinating conversation with a friend last night that I just have to share. It got me thinking about one of the most insidious character flaws of our generation: impatience.

We live in a world that sells us instant gratification. But genuine, lasting success is the ultimate long game. The kicker? We already know how to be patient when the stakes feel... well, safe.

The Double Standard of Time

Think about it. We, as a society, readily accept these enormous, upfront time investments:

• 6 Years of School (Minimum): We send our kids to primary school, secondary school, and then university. We commit decades of our lives with the absolute minimum expectation of immediate monetary return. We don't complain about the six years of primary school not feeding the child. We simply accept it as the process.

  
  

• 3 Years for a Vocation: We commit to years of apprenticeship or vocational training. We dedicate time and energy just to acquire a basic skill, knowing that significant income might not arrive until the training is complete.

  
  

We accept these long waits because they are structured, traditional, and come with a promise—a certificate, a degree, or a respected title. We’re banking on future status.

But what happens when we step into the real world of business, investment, or personal projects? The conversation changes instantly.

That 1 year and 6 months suddenly becomes a waste of time here.

Suddenly, a year and a half into building a business or pursuing a practical venture is considered a failure, a waste of time, or a clear sign to quit. We want the results "in a speed of light."

The Satan, the Tunnel, and the "Hope" Problem

In the middle of our discussion, my friend and I narrowed down the root cause of this crippling impatience: Hope.

Yes... There is something that when given to man... looks good and promising but it makes man impatient... HOPE.

We're not talking about healthy optimism. We're discussing a kind of frantic, unrealistic hope that makes us demand the payoff before we’ve even completed the work.

• The Biblical Parallel: "Satan gave man hope for a privilege to know between God and Evil after eating the fruit." This hope for quick, God-like knowledge made man fatally impatient.

  
  

• The Dark Tunnel Analogy: Imagine you are walking in a dark tunnel for hours. Then, you suddenly see a tiny light in the distance. What happens? You don't walk patiently; you start running. You desperately wish you could cover the remaining distance in 10 seconds. The sight of the "light" (the hope of the result) makes you lose patience for the necessary steps.

  
  

In business and life, the "light" is the success story, the millionaire mentor, or the overnight viral hit. This glimpse of what could be makes us look at the arduous, daily work as an unacceptable delay. It makes us rush the process, cut corners, and ultimately crash.

We become "Damn impatient."

The Path Forward: Patience for the Practical

The real irony is that after years in the university system, many students still have to "come back and learn work because there is nothing to show for the certificate they are just holding."

The very time we patiently invested in the promise of a degree often doesn't give us the practical success we craved. Yet, when we shift our energy to a practical skill or business—the very things that secure our future—we abandon them quickly because the money isn't instant.

We need to redirect the patience we show for the abstract, promising six-year degree toward the practical, messy, but ultimately rewarding two-year grind.

The process is long. The light is far away. But rushing will only cause you to trip in the darkness. Learn to love the walk.

Embracing the Journey

So, how do we embrace this journey? It starts with a mindset shift. Instead of viewing time as an enemy, we can see it as an ally. Every moment spent learning, growing, and working is an investment in our future.

Celebrate Small Wins

One effective way to cultivate patience is to celebrate small wins. Did you complete a task? Great! Did you learn something new? Awesome! Each step forward is progress. Recognizing these moments can keep our spirits high and our motivation strong.

Build a Support System

Surround yourself with people who understand the value of patience. Engage with mentors, friends, or communities who encourage long-term thinking. Their support can be invaluable when you feel the urge to rush.

Set Realistic Goals

Set achievable, incremental goals. Break your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach allows you to track your progress and stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help us stay present. It encourages us to focus on the here and now rather than getting lost in the future. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to appreciate the journey, even when it feels slow.

Conclusion: The Power of Patience

In a world that often glorifies speed, let’s remember the power of patience. It’s not just about waiting; it’s about growing, learning, and evolving.

What do you think? Where are you seeing this impatience kill people's promising ventures? Let me know in the comments!

By embracing patience, we can build a solid foundation for our future. Let's take the time to invest in ourselves and our dreams. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

And remember, success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. So, let’s lace up our shoes and enjoy the run!