“A watched pot never boils”

I never really ever understood this as a child.

Here is a little back story for context. I would love to help my Nanna in the kitchen as a child. I fondly remember helping her to make scones. Standing side by side in the dimly lit kitchen, mixing the scone mix on the linoleum covered kitchen table. Once made it was into the oven they went.

And there is where I would stay, opening that damn oven door every other minute. To be fair, we are talking about those old-style ovens which didn’t have a door you could see through.

That old oven door would make this creaking sound every single time you opened it.

Safe to say I wasn’t a very patient child.

My Nanna would also bang on about how a watched pot would never boil. And I would always argue back that the water would always in fact boil so that line really wasn’t true.

While she was the one who introduced me to the saying, she was also the one who explained it to me. Yes, the water would boil, but it would always take longer when all you are doing is watching the pot of water. Time will always drag on when you are waiting for something to happen.

I struggle with patience. When I start something, I want to see results straight away.

This got me thinking though, is that just who I am or is it a product of the time we are living in? If you look at social media as an example, their algorithms are set for that instant reward.

I read somewhere about the lifespan of social media posts. When you post on Facebook for example your post will reach around 80% of your audience in the first 2 hours once posted. After that is quickly becomes lost, unless someone is stalking your profile page.

It isn’t just social media that I want those instant results. I mean I still don’t understand why you just can’t turn the over up higher to bake the cake faster.

If your anything like me then you might be looking for some ideas to help you in becoming a more patient person.

At the end of the day, patience is a skill that absolutely everyone can develop and strengthen.

4 ways to help strengthen your patience skills

Make yourself wait

I know this sounds really simple, but it works on strengthening that skill. It’s just the little everyday moments, like when you are waiting in the checkout while food shopping. Let someone else go ahead you once in a while. Not only do you practice the art of waiting but you might just be making someone else’s day. You want that chocolatey treat, hold off a little and have it a little later.

Practice mindfulness

By practicing mindfulness, we practice living in the now, and enjoy the present moment. It is about being aware of your thoughts and gives you a chance to slow down. Stop and notice the way the breeze is moving the leaves, the way the bee is moving from flower to flower etc.

Think with your purpose in mind

What will happen if you have to wait? If you have to wait an extra 5 minutes at the checkout what will happen? ultimately just that you will be 5 minutes longer. If you have to wait for the cake, it means the cake will be evenly baked.

Participate in activities that are not instantly gratifying.

Like I mentioned before, I believe we are living in a world where it is becoming increasingly an instant gratification world. You want something to happen immediately. You want to post on social media, and you want to see those likes asap. Instead, you could try activities which delay the gratification such as, reading a long book, doing a large puzzle or doing a brain game.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on what being patient means to you.

Maggie x