In a world where innovation is the buzzword and “move fast and break things” was once the mantra, let me share something: be impatient with progress.
Why Impatience?
1. Time Isn’t Endless: We’re in an age where information and tech advance faster than ever. Waiting around for progress when you can push for it? Not an option. Every moment we delay, others might leap ahead, turning your next big idea into their reality.
2. The Urgency of Now: Climate change, inequality, health crises – these aren’t wait-and-see problems. Being impatient with progress means acknowledging how urgent these issues are and acting now. It’s about pushing for change, not just hoping it’ll happen.
3. Avoiding Stagnation: Impatience stirs up places where everyone’s just too comfy. In business, school, or your own life, it means shaking things up, trying new stuff, and taking chances. If you’re fine with how things are moving, you might miss out on game-changing ideas.
How to Be Impatient:
A. Set Big Goals: Don’t just aim for what’s doable; go for what seems crazy. Elon Musk didn’t aim to build a car; he wanted to change transportation and explore space. Your goals should push you out of your comfort zone because that’s where real growth happens.
B. See Failure as Learning: Being impatient means you’ll fail, and fail a lot. But here’s the thing – each failure is a lesson, getting you closer to success. The quicker you fail, the faster you learn, and the sooner you succeed.
C. Question Everything: If something’s always been done one way, that’s your signal to ask, “Why?” and find or make a new path. Impatience isn’t about disrespecting tradition but challenging if that tradition still fits.
D. Keep Learning: Be impatient with your own knowledge. The world changes, and so should you. Staying ahead means you’re always learning, unlearning, and learning again.
E. Join Forces with the Impatient: Hang out with people who get your urgency. Their energy, ideas, and drive will keep you going. Impatience sparks innovation, and innovation loves company.
The Other Side:
- Burnout: Push too hard without breaks, and you’ll burn out. Balance is key. Work hard, but also take time to rest, recharge, and think.
- Feeling Isolated: Not everyone will vibe with your urgency. There’ll be critics and those who prefer things as they are. Handle this with tact but don’t let it stop you.
Being impatient with progress isn’t just about speed; it’s about seeing the potential in what we can do today, not tomorrow. It’s about knowing in many areas, waiting isn’t an option. So, go ahead, push, challenge, innovate, and don’t be afraid to be the one saying, “We can do this better, and we can do it now.”
Share this if you’re ready to act, not just wait.
Maverick 