LIVE BY DESIGN | End-of-year reflection: Cultivating patience, compassion and curiosity

There is a question that we often pose to attendees of our “Live by Design” workshops. It’s a simple yet profound inquiry: “What quality do you already have that, if amplified, would further improve your life?” The responses are diverse, but without fail, several reveal a common thread – patience, compassion, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn and do more.

In my discussions with Helena Dolny, we’ve observed that the season we find ourselves in can influence the qualities we choose to cultivate. As the year nears its end, particularly around November, many of us lean towards curiosity, driven by the natural desire to learn and grow in various realms, including technology and personal development. This seasonal shift highlights how our focus can ebb and flow, but the core virtues of patience, compassion and curiosity remain timeless and essential for living a fulfilled life.

The Power of Patience
My English name is Patience, so I know a thing or two about patience. Last month, I shared my long journey toward adopting my son, which finally came together after more than two years of waiting. This experience has taught me that, even with all that time invested, I can still use more patience – patience with myself, patience with loved ones, and sometimes patience with colleagues.

However, I also recognise that patience can have its downsides. It can quickly become a weakness if we confuse it with procrastination. Many people remain in toxic relationships or endure unfulfilling situations under the guise of being patient with their partners, colleagues or relatives. Yet, despite this potential pitfall, patience remains one of our most valuable qualities. It fosters resilience, encourages understanding, and allows us to navigate life’s challenges gracefully.

Cultivating patience can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life because it helps us appreciate the journey, even when it feels arduous. Practically, learning to be patient can transform how we interact with ourselves and others.

For example, when navigating personal challenges or setbacks, patience allows for self-compassion, helping us to treat ourselves with the kindness we often reserve for friends. By recognising that growth takes time, we can lessen the pressure on ourselves to be perfect or achieve results instantly.

The Role of Compassion
Compassion is closely intertwined with patience, acting as a bridge to deeper human connection. In our workshops, we emphasise that compassion isn’t just about feeling sympathy for someone’s struggles; it’s about taking action to alleviate their pain. This can take many forms, from offering a listening ear to volunteering our time or resources.

Living by design means we actively choose to cultivate compassion in our daily lives. This might mean setting aside our own agendas to help a colleague through a challenging moment or practising kindness towards strangers in our communities. Compassion has a ripple effect; when we extend kindness, it encourages others to act similarly, creating a virtuous cycle of support and positivity.

The Quest for Curiosity
Curiosity serves as the driving force behind growth and exploration. It propels us to ask questions, seek new experiences, and embrace the unknown. Curiosity can be a transformative quality, leading us to discover the world around us and the depths of our capabilities and passions.

As the year winds down and we reflect on the lessons learned, curiosity drives us to set new intentions for the future. It invites us to explore new areas of interest – be it a new technology, a creative hobby, or a different cultural perspective. This spirit of inquiry invigorates our lives, preventing stagnation and fostering lifelong learning.

Living a Life of Intention
Living a life of intention, which incorporates patience, compassion and curiosity into our lives, is not a one-time endeavour, but a continuous practice. It requires intention and mindfulness. As we traverse the path of personal growth, these qualities become the compass guiding us toward a richer, more meaningful existence.

To live by design, we must regularly assess the qualities we wish to cultivate. Are we being patient with ourselves and others? Are we extending compassion beyond our immediate circles? Are we embracing our innate curiosity and allowing it to lead us to new horizons?

As we approach the end of the year, let us consider how these virtues can serve us – not just in our personal lives, but also within our broader communities.
So, what quality do you already have that, if amplified, would improve your life? And what action can you take to secure more of this quality for yourself?