One of the best ways to gain patience with others and understand their actions is to learn. We all have the ability to gain patience through knowledge.
I’m currently reading Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate. This is a book about how environmental factors play a role in the expression of ADHD. Dr. Mate believes a child can be predisposed for ADHD, but aren’t necessarily predetermined to express it. Expression results when specific features in their environment are presented.
The most fascinating thing I’ve taken from this book is the specific traits of someone with ADHD and the most likely factors that lead to them. Since starting this book, I’ve more easily recognized these traits in the people around me and my viewpoint has changed.
As a few examples, individuals with ADHD typically lack time management skills, struggle with focusing, and can be more sensitive.
As someone without ADHD, it’s hard to understand what’s going on in the mind of someone with it. Because of this, I often grow annoyed or frustrated when someone shows up late, zones out while I’m talking, and is defensive and overly sensitive.
Now that I can notice the traits of ADHD, my mindset has switched from impatience to more of fascination and understanding. When I notice these traits, I don’t immediately jump to annoyance. Instead, I remind myself that this person knows no other way to be and it’s not their fault.
When you start learning more about people, the inner workings of the mind and body, habit formation, and how environments can result in different personality traits, you see things differently. You gain patience through knowledge. You gain an understanding and can better respond to everyone you meet.
Learning about people can give you insight into the actions of others and help you understand your own choices. Through learning you can gain empathy, patience, and discover how to improve your own mindset and life.
November 9, 2022
