An unfamiliar introduction
Our world has become so chaotic and unreasonable. Those who seek to be patient are considered weak, those who seek to listen are classified as cowards. As it were, we are getting less of every good thing. Our world is dwindling into an atmosphere of less and less. Look at our kids, they are mannerless, our marriages are loveless and our bank accounts are moneyless. As I retrace my thoughts, I realise that we lost the plot by becoming an instant generation. Patience is the missing word in our hearts and lives. If the foundation is destroyed, what shall the righteous do?
An old classic story
Patience is one of life’s most underrated virtues. In a world obsessed with speed and instant gratification, we often lose sight of the steady, deliberate path that leads to sustainable success. To illustrate the profound power of patience, let us revisit one of the most cherished fables of all time: The Hare and the Tortoise.
We all know the story. A swift and confident hare challenges a slow-moving tortoise to a race, certain of his easy victory. As the race begins, the hare quickly gains a massive lead and, feeling untouchable, decides to rest under a tree. Meanwhile, the tortoise, moving slowly but surely, stays focused and persistent, ultimately crossing the finish line first while the hare naps.
At first glance, this tale may seem simplistic, but its message carries timeless wisdom for individuals striving to achieve their goals in life. Here are three key lessons we can glean from this story about the power of patience:
- Consistency outshines speed
The tortoise understood that it wasn’t about how fast he could go but about how consistent he could remain. Life’s most meaningful achievements are not won in a single burst of energy. They are the result of small, intentional steps taken over time.
Whether it’s building a career, nurturing relationships, or growing a business, patience allows us to pace ourselves, avoiding burnout and ensuring that our efforts accumulate into something enduring. The hare had the speed but lacked the discipline to sustain it. The tortoise, on the other hand, embraced the slow and steady rhythm that led to his success. - Overconfidence can be costly
The hare’s downfall was his arrogance. He assumed that his natural advantage guaranteed victory, so he neglected the importance of focus and follow-through. In life, overconfidence can lead us to underestimate challenges or overlook the value of preparation.
Patience tempers arrogance. It reminds us to respect the process, acknowledge the effort required, and remain humble in the pursuit of our goals. Like the tortoise, those who value persistence over pride often find themselves triumphing over obstacles that others dismiss as insignificant. - The journey is as important as the goal
While the hare saw the race as an event to win quickly, the tortoise treated it as a process to engage with fully. This patient approach allowed him to appreciate the journey, each step building his confidence and resolve.
Patience teaches us to value the journey as much as the destination. It encourages us to grow through our experiences, learning resilience, adaptability, and grace along the way. When we slow down, we discover opportunities for personal development that speed would otherwise cause us to miss. Embracing Patience in a Fast-Paced World
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The Unsung Hero – By Dr Ted Msipa (PhD)
In today’s “go-go-go” culture, being patient is often mistaken for being slow or stagnant. But patience is not passivity; it is an active virtue that empowers us to persist with intention and focus. It is about waiting with purpose, understanding that the best outcomes take time to materialise.
The tortoise didn’t win the race by chance. He won because he embraced the power of patience. His story is a reminder that success is not always about who starts the fastest but about who stays the course.
So, the next time you find yourself tempted to rush through life, remember the wisdom of the tortoise. Slow down, stay consistent, and trust the process. In the end, the patient runner not only finishes the race but often wins it.
Dr Ted Msipa is Pastor, Author, Visionary, Entrepreneur and Public Speaker based in Maseru, Lesotho. He is a leading voice in leadership, personnel development, organisational thinking, transformational leader and people builder in sub-Sahara Africa and Beyond. He writes here in his personal capacity and view shared here do not necessarily reflect those of Africa News 24. Dr Ted can be reached on Coachted117@gmail.com or on +266 63177309.
