Patience

Patience (or forbearing) is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.


I struggle with this trait.  I find that patience (a passive activity) is a challenge of the first order.  Patience (or lack of it) gives me the feeling of lacking control and control (exercising restraining or directing influence over) or the desire for control, does not marry well with patience.


Wikipedia says: In evolutionary psychology and in cognitive neuroscience, patience is studied as a decision-making problem, involving the choice of either a small reward in the short term, or a more valuable reward in the long term. When given a choice, all animals, humans included, are inclined to favour short term rewards over long term rewards. This is despite the often greater benefits associated with long term reward.


Interesting that I my lack of patience is a decision making problem, according to Wikipedia because I look at my lack of patience as constantly making IMMEDIATE decisions. I have a desire know the outcome in the immediate time frame.  To wrap up and execute on something to move on to something else.  


I have always felt completion is key.  No hanging threads, no back up plans, just get 'er done.  


I wonder about that characteristic and what compels this behaviour.  Why have a need to complete?  Not control, but execute immediately.  Is it a lack of patience or a desire to start something new?