If patience is a virtue then what is impatience?

Over the past few months, I’ve been developing a new muscle—one I had never consciously exercised before. In fact, I didn’t even realize it was worth strengthening. But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. And after reading this, I believe you’ll start to see the benefits of strategically activating it as well.

Chances are, many of you already use this muscle without realizing it.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” Every time someone says it, people instinctively nod in agreement. It’s treated as an unquestioned truth. I’ve never heard an argument against it, and I won’t make one now—because I, too, believe patience has its place.

But what about impatience?

If patience is a virtue, does that make impatience a flaw? Is it something we should always suppress and replace with patience? That’s what I used to believe. But I’ve started to see impatience in a new light—as a force that, when used intentionally, can drive action, spark change, and fuel growth.

I’ve been channeling impatience into my personal and professional development. I want to learn, experiment, and grow quickly, not slowly. While I remain patient with results, I refuse to be patient about taking action. I no longer see impatience as a weakness—it’s a tool I can hone to get things done.

For too long, I blindly accepted that patience was always the right answer. But now, I’m learning to embrace the other side of the coin. Each has its drawbacks, and wisdom comes from knowing when to lean into which.

So, instead of suppressing your impatience, try harnessing it. Let it push you forward. Let it get you where you want to go—faster.