Chapter 7 - THE DOWNSIDES OF PATIENCE.

Like all good things, too much of it can turn harmful. So it is important to know the downside of patience so you can find the right balance.

1. BEING TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

People can mistake your patience for weakness. There are times you need to “show your teeth” to make others know you can also bite. Ironically, Most people with the natural gift of patience often lack assertiveness, and those with natural assertiveness often lack patience. 

It's all about balance, too much of one thing without finding the right balance tilts to the negative side. 

2. NO FILTER: Patience allows everyone in, whether good or bad.

Patience alone has no screening filter; it welcomes everyone: the wise, the foolish,  the disrespectful, the generous, the greedy. In fact, it is by nature tolerant of negativity.

Now, what happens if someone is actively disrespecting or exploiting you? Do you continue being patient and let them have their way? 

Absolutely Not!  

If you stay silent, your inaction will be interpreted as consent, and this will continue to fuel the negative behaviour.

Patience fosters tolerance; it has the tendency to allow all in, both the good and the bad. However, there are times when you need a strict filter to select the best of the best and to protect your peace. 

3. THE THIN LINE BETWEEN TIME WASTING AND PATIENCE. 

I have fallen into this trap several times, wasting years on ventures that were not worth the investment. This trap arises from the kind of patience that is fostered by hope. 

So does this make having hope bad? 

Definitely not!  Hope uplifts your spirit in moments of despair.

How then do we tell the difference between time-wasting and patience? This is a simple formula I devised to help guide myself.

1. Is the amount of energy and time I am trading worth the future reward? 
   1. Yes → Patience
   2. No → Time wasting
2. Have I chosen the option with the highest probability for success? 
   1. Yes → Patience
   2. No → Time wasting(or gambling)

Final thoughts. 

Patience is valuable and difficult to practice. So ensure you invest in goals and relationships that are genuinely worth your time.

If you find this relatable, share it with a friend! Follow Bytes&Lessons for more realistic guides to understanding and navigating complex concepts.

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