The Power of Patience: Why Being Impatient with Action and Patient with Rewards Leads to Success

Desire is a powerful emotion that can drive us to achieve great things, but it can also be a source of unhappiness if we’re not careful. The idea that “desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you obtain something” is a reminder that the pursuit of our desires can sometimes cause more harm than good. But with a little bit of awareness and a few actionable steps, we can use our desires to propel us towards success while avoiding the pitfalls of unhappiness.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that our desires are not always in alignment with our values and true selves. We may think we want something, but in reality, it’s just a fleeting desire or something that society or others have told us we should want. It’s essential to take a step back and reflect on what truly aligns with our values and what we truly desire, rather than just going after something because it’s what we think we should want.

Another important aspect to consider when working with our desires is setting realistic expectations. Many of us have a tendency to overestimate what we can accomplish in a short amount of time and underestimate the effort and time it will take to achieve our goals. This can lead to disappointment and frustration. By setting realistic expectations, we can avoid this pitfall and stay motivated as we work towards our goals.

One way to set realistic expectations is to break our goals down into smaller, manageable steps. Rather than focusing on the end goal, we can focus on the small wins along the way. This not only helps us stay motivated but also allows us to see progress and make adjustments as needed.

It’s also essential to practice gratitude and mindfulness when working towards our desires. It’s easy to get caught up in the “grass is always greener” mentality and forget to appreciate what we already have. By practicing gratitude and mindfulness, we can remind ourselves of the blessings in our lives and find contentment in the present moment.

One way to practice gratitude and mindfulness is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down at least three things you’re grateful for, and reflect on them. This will help you stay focused on the positive aspects of your life and find contentment in the present moment.

Finally, it’s essential to remember that failure is a part of the process. We all make mistakes, and failure is a natural part of growth. When we experience failure, it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of our worth or abilities. Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

One way to handle failure is to reframe it as feedback. Look at the situation objectively and see what you can learn from it. This will help you move forward and continue to work towards your goals.

In conclusion, desire is a powerful emotion that can drive us to achieve great things, but it can also be a source of unhappiness if we’re not careful. By reflecting on our values, setting realistic expectations, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, and handling failure, we can use our desires to propel us towards success while avoiding the pitfalls of unhappiness.

Here are some actionable steps that you can take to work with your desires in a more positive way:

1. Reflect on your values and what you truly desire, rather than just going after something because it’s what you think you should want.
2. Set realistic expectations by breaking your goals down into smaller, manageable steps and focusing on the small wins along the way.
3. Practice gratitude and mindfulness by keeping a gratitude journal and reflecting on the blessings in your life.
4. Handle failure by reframing it as feedback and looking at the situation objectively to see what you can learn