The Constellation Learning Newsletter
March 2006

By the middle of February I had had it with the pervading grey skies of Toronto. Finding I had a few free days available, I booked a quick trip south for some blue skies and warm weather.

My husband and I had had to postpone the trip we had scheduled to take in March 2005 due to our four day nap. Part of the rational behind taking the trip at this time was the necessity of using those tickets. I had notified the airline and made arrangements to transfer the them, but had to re-book new dates and destination within the year. Funny how quickly a year can go by. Somewhat limited by Delta’s available routes we finally, on the very last day possible, made a new choice of destination and called the airline to book the new tickets.

I was on that phone for hours! Back and forth between agents, all kinds of conversations took place in order for this four-day getaway to materialize. Meanwhile, all I’m thinking is, the original tickets were bought long ago and I don’t want to lose the $1500 I already paid. I’m also thinking, this is more trouble than it’s worth, or at least it felt like it at that moment.

So, after the hassle of arranging all the details for this trip in such a last minute fashion, I wanted to arrive at the airport in plenty of time. We got there hours ahead of flight time and (of course) there was no line at all to get through security and customs. We arrived so far ahead that all we could do was wait (the flight was delayed as well) for hours. My husband kept encouraging me to “practice patience.” The only thing I wanted was to get to the hotel, unpack and flop down my winter-white body by the side of the pool. I’d practice patience then!

Eventually, we made it there. I had been just a bit wound up and in need of a break. I brought all kinds of work with me. I accomplished none of it. I parked myself poolside, read and slept. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.

The trip home was similar – hurry up and wait – but feeling refreshed, the lines at the airport were less bothersome. I practiced patience. Once at our gate it was announced that the flight was over-booked and they wanted volunteers to give up their seats, receiving a night’s stay at a near-by hotel and a free ticket in return. We waited a while, wondering if we wanted to delay our return, finally choosing to take their offer. A one night delay. Two free tickets. Not bad.

The next morning, we again arrived at the airport in plenty of time quite ready to head home. At the gate, we were (again) greeted with the same request; would two people with flexible travel plans be willing to forgo this 9:15 AM flight and leave for Toronto three hours later? My husband and I looked at each other and laughed and took the offer immediately. A three hour delay. Two free tickets, each. Not bad at all.

By my calculations, patience pays. I think I’ll practice it more often.

Application Tips:

• Pick the Pay-off
  As human beings, we’re generally motivated by pay-off’s and where’s the pay-off for patience? “All good things come to he who waits.” But “waiting” isn’t highly valued in a work-world. So treat yourself the next time you exercise patience (not simply telling yourself to be patient, but actually exercising your patience muscle by trusting there’s a reason for the wait even if you can’t see it). Pick up some sushi for dinner, or take yourself out, or go to a movie. Do something nice for yourself and watch – the world will reward your waiting.

* See this month’s Recommended Reading

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