This used to be my mantra. I believed that if I was patient enough, everything I ever wanted (including a husband) would fall into my life. Waiting was the key.
For years I tried the whole patience thing. Don’t get me wrong; patience truly is a virtue, when you have no choice. For example, sitting in traffic, waiting in line at the Post Office or for the clouds to blow over and the sun to shine. All good examples of the need for patience. I’m sure you have a few examples of your own to add.
Other than scenarios where you have no control, patience be damned! Don’t wait for what you want! Don’t hope that it shows up on your doorstep, in your bank account, or in your driveway! Ask for what you want! People who ask are ten times more likely to get what they want than are those who quietly and patiently wait, hoping. Is it that easy? Yes…………and no.
Asking for what you want takes courage, planning, confidence, timing and patience. (There’s that word again.) You must have all of the above before taking the plunge. Easy? Not exactly. But if you use these tools, you will have a better chance of being successful.
Sometimes it requires boldness. I recently went to Cuba with my husband. To reduce the cost of our trip, I proposed to my travel agent that I would do a travelogue in exchange for my portion (1/2). I came up with the idea because the travelogue on their website was outdated and never mentioned the travel agency. I wrote a proposal which made sense and pointed out its value to the company. In my favor were the following facts: I am a published writer, including journals. I am well traveled and have been on many tours.
It took patience and follow up on my part but in the end, I was successful! Not only did they accept my proposal but they purchased 100 of my books (“The Story She Had to Tell”) to give as gifts to people taking the Cuban tour. This book, a novel, takes place in Cuba in the 1950s
In the end I got more than I asked for, all because of a creative idea and all five of the necessary requirements I mentioned earlier: courage, planning, confidence, timing and patience. A crazy idea turned into a win-win for everyone involved.
The thing about asking for what you want is that there are no guarantees. You must be prepared to hear the word “No.” Or you might get lucky like I did, where all the stars align. But this is not always the case. Then again, what do you have to lose? If you get all of your ducks in a row and the answer comes back “No”, then your position in life has not changed. You are right where you were before the ask. If you get a “Yes,” your position has been elevated. Hallelujah!
In summary, patience is best used in situations of little to no control. In other scenarios, “Ask for what you want.” (Remembering the five tools.)
In light of my new familiarity with the bible, I feel compelled to say that part of asking for what you want is asking God. That reminds me of two sayings, one from Science of Mind and the other a biblical reference. “Pray with your feet moving” and “God helps those who help themselves.” Just some more food for thought! 🙂