Sometimes when we want things so badly, having patience can seem impossible. And with our society engineered to achieve rewards faster and faster, we are only getting more impatient.
Kids ‘just want to grow up already,’ more people are looking for get-rich-quick schemes, and priority delivery was once an expensive dream that’s far from ‘same-day delivery’ we have now. Even with our music, sped-up TikTok audios are dominating the music charts. We keep ramping up speed in every part of our lives, but there are some moments when you must practice patience. Unfortunately, not everything is eligible for next-day shipping, so what is the upside to letting time do its thing?
It’s known as the English proverb “Good things come to those who wait.” Only, is it true?
Where Did This Proverb Come From?
The origin of this famous saying traces back to a late 1800s female poet Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie. Her pseudonym, Violet Fane, published this poem titled “Tout vient a qui sait attendre” in which the phrase was popularized.
All hoped-for things will come to you
Who have the strength to watch and wait,
Our longings spur the steeds of Fate,
This has been said by one who knew.‘Ah, all things come to those who wait,’
Violet Fane
(I say these words to make me glad),
But something answers soft and sad,
‘They come, but often come too late.’
Truthfully, the saying was probably used before Fane, and it’s no doubt that it was so widely spread after. From bible verses to inspirational t-shirt quotes, this idea that patience is of the essence tells you to stay strong in times of doubt. By allowing time to run its course, many believe you improve your chances of victory or good fortune. Others more religious might recall patience is a virtue from the Bible, and practicing calm waiting will bring your rewards from God. Whatever the case may be, patience is linked to lower stress levels and tamed anxiety. Perhaps this proverb is right after all.
The Proof Is In The ‘Weight’
If you’ve attempted a weight-loss journey for any reason, you know that the diet world is not known for being so easy and quick. If you want to see real results, the process takes time and dedication to put in the work and let the results show gradually.
This paper towel analogy reminds us that change doesn’t occur in an impactful way overnight. A culmination of patience and healthy habits will show its reward in due time. Unfortunately, diet culture is filled with a multitude of scams promising outrageous results in a scary little time. But as healthy diets and habits have shown, nothing beats the slow, yet a fulfilling journey that is weight loss.
Maybe There’s No Wait About It
According to Forbes, Abraham Lincoln is rumored to have said, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” Similarly, Chief Executive notes, “a “wait and see” approach has much more risk than the action being avoided.”
What these and other sources mean is that there is nothing left for those who wait. If you’re deciding between taking a risk and waiting, the latter won’t get you to your highest potential. This is true for many cases, but I guess it mainly depends on what you’re applying this to. Is the waiting is in or out of your hands?
I’ve always been that person to believe that everything happens for a reason. That’s how I soothe myself when I’m getting impatient; if something’s not happening now, it simply means you’re still not ready for whatever’s next. Of course, this isn’t the explanation for all timing problems, but who really knows what is?
