Ever feel like patience is hunting you? Here’s why: Patience is a vulture.
(Yeah, I know that’s not the saying. But hear me out…)
My former brother-in-law used to say that when he was a kid. It’s a malapropism, sure—but it’s one that’s stuck with me.
And that’s because it’s true.
Patience can feel like that, right? It’s not some serene, in-perpetual-yoga-pose virtue. Real patience can feel like a big, hunched predator bird on your shoulder.
Waiting. Watching. Looming.
As leaders, we’re told that we need to be patient. But for many of us, our patience starts to feel like restlessness. It can feel like we’re waiting for results. For progress.
And over the course of that waiting, some of our least effective behaviors can show up. We push. We micromanage. We hover.
But here’s what I’ve learned after years of coaching leaders: impatience often has nothing to do with timing. Instead, it often has a lot to do with fear.
Fear whispers: What if this reflects poorly on me? What if I lose control? What if I’m not doing enough?
It’s fear that the patience vulture feeds on.
So..what do we do with that knowledge?
For starters, we don’t fight it. We recognize it, and then we name it.
Next time impatience strikes, try this three-step reset:
- Name it: “This is fear, not urgency”
- Thank it: “Thanks for trying to protect me”
- Release it: “I choose presence over pressure”
Then we can do something radical: thank it for showing up, and ask it to take a break.
I’m not saying “don’t care.” I’m saying let go of the illusion that your impatience is necessary to protect you.
The next time that vulture lands, remember: your worth isn’t tied to your worry.
Take a breath. Feel where you’re holding tension. Ask yourself: What would leadership look like if I trusted the process?
Then let the patience vulture take flight—and watch what becomes possible when you lead from trust instead of fear.
What’s your patience vulture trying to protect you from today?
Looking to increase the cohesion, trust, and impact of your leadership team? Reach out and let’s discuss The Compass Team Experience and how I can help.
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