In Defense of Impatience...

“Didn’t you learn anything in Italy about patience?” my office colleague asked me after my recent return from a two-week vacation in rural Italy. I was, as usual, demanding deadlines and commitments from my staff at a manager’s meeting.

I thought about that question that night. It’s true that my Italian ancestors have a different pace of living that one could describe as slower. Certainly meals are a leisurely pastime in Italy. But drive on an Italian street or better yet, the autostrada (their freeways)! You’d never describe an Italian driver as patient.

What’s the difference?

When Italians want to get somewhere, they don’t dawdle. Whether by autostrada, or vaporetto boat in Venice, or the subway in Rome, Italians waste no time and have little patience for those who do. But once they reach their destination, they slow their pace and begin a deeper experience.

When I try to create change in my life, that is, when I’m trying to get somewhere, I myself tend to be very impatient. Sometimes I feel like I’m pushing a big object against a heavy wind. But it seems to me that impatience with the pace of progress is the engine that creates the progress. Complacency is the enemy of forward motion. Impatience keeps complacency at bay. This is a good thing.

On the other hand, my impatience sometimes enters into my personal relationships, and that’s where my travel lessons will come in handy. When I had the attention of my Italian relatives during our recent visit, I had their entire attention. We talked over dinner for hours, and they made my mother and I the center of attention the whole meal. We felt welcomed and included despite the language challenges.

My lesson?

Be impatient with progress, but not people. Don’t let your focus on moving forward blind you to the people you travel with. They are, after all, the point of your journey.

So, I guess the answer to my friend’s question is “yes,” after all. I have learned something from my recent vacation. I’ve learned that there is a place for impatience and pushing, but there’s also a place for stopping and listening. As with so many things, it’s all a matter of balance.

http://www.manifestationcoaching.com/

Starting school...

Summer is over already and school is upon us.  If you're new to the school routine, here's a useful website, Mom's Homeroom, dedicated to helping you prepare your child to succeed in school. 

Useful as the site is, there's an even better way to help your child succeed in school, and that is to get involved and stay involved in his or her school life.  This article shows the many ways that parental involvement is key to student success.

It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to help your kids succeed in school.  All it takes it encouragement, support, and involvement to make a difference that will last a lifetime.

http://www.manifestationcoaching.com/

Renew your dreams...

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born." — Dale E. Turner

Never think it's too late to pursue your dream or achieve major accomplishments.  This article will inspire you.  You'll be surprised at who became world famous in their later years.  Grantly Morris humourously lists amazing things accomplished by senior citizens.

But you don't have to be in your golden years to learn this lesson.  Perhaps you never graduated from high school, and feel at 35 it's too late to fix it.  Not true. 

Last night I saw an amazing documentary called Changing Keys about Billy McLaughlin, a famous guitarist whose brain sort of forgot how to play.  He could have given up.  He almost did.  What he finally did in the end is head-shakingly amazing.  And a true lesson in not giving up.

http://www.manifestationcoaching.com/