My bookkeeping clients are always telling me I am a patient instructor when teaching them to use accounting software. I don’t really notice that I am demonstrating patience but I am able put them at ease by not rushing the training process. Thus they learn with ease. I calmly sit beside them as I instruct and watch them follow the steps to make and record entries within the program. I give them time to write notes is they want to. I do remember one client once that kept talking and talking through the process and part of we wanted to just say please press the enter button so we can move on. I mentally released that thought, took a deep breath and they finished the step when they were ready.
Another way I seem to demonstrate patience is in dealing with the client folder of questions and un-reconciled issues. They put the things that make them anxious in the “Joy Folder” and wait for me to come and quietly resolve them. Putting problems in there makes them comfortable patiently waiting for me to arrive. This folder sometimes include things like a letter from the IRS. That seems to scare them when in most cases I find reading the letter over there is an easy answer to what it all means.
Patience promotes better health. That means it reduces anxiety and helps keep blood pressure under control. Making patience a heart healthy habit that sustains us. I like the sound of that.
Final thought: Where have you demonstrated patience today?
Quotes on patience:
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” – Saint Augustine
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow-that is patience.” – Author unknown
“The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen.” – Ralph Marston
“Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.” – Barbara Johnson
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