In today’s fast-paced world, where everything from online shopping to social media promises instant gratification, one key trait often gets overlooked in business: patience. But as Brandon Clifford, host of Cliff's Notes, explores in this episode, patience isn't just a virtue; it’s a business superpower.
While speed and efficiency are often lauded in today’s business environment, true success, as Brandon points out, is built on the ability to wait for the right moment, make thoughtful decisions, and keep pushing forward even when progress feels slow.
Why Patience is a Business Superpower
Brandon begins by explaining that patience isn't about idly waiting for success to come. It's about making smarter decisions and strengthening relationships that contribute to long-term business growth.
1. Patience Leads to Smarter Decisions
One of the most powerful ways patience benefits business is by allowing you to make better decisions. When you rush into choices—whether it’s hiring a new employee or investing in a new product—you may experience short-term solutions, but often with long-term consequences.
Patience gives you the ability to step back, evaluate all your options, and make decisions that set you up for long-term success, rather than just solving immediate problems. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, famously said, “All overnight success takes about 10 years.” If Bezos had expected immediate results, Amazon would have never grown into the retail giant it is today.
2. It Strengthens Relationships
Business is about people—not just products or profits. Relationships, whether with customers, employees, or partners, take time to develop. Rushing to get instant results can damage these relationships and undermine the foundation of your business.
As Brandon highlights, patience in business is key to building strong, lasting partnerships. It’s about investing in trust and consistency over time, which ultimately pays off in spades.
3. Patience Helps You Outlast the Competition
In a world where many businesses are expected to succeed “overnight,” those who embrace patience often outlast their competitors. Most businesses don’t fail because the idea is bad or the location is wrong—they fail because the owner gave up too soon.
Brandon points to figures like Elon Musk and Tesla, who experienced years of setbacks before achieving success. They played the “infinite game,” always focusing on progress rather than immediate wins. As Simon Sinek argues in The Infinite Game, there’s no final victory in business—only ongoing progress.
5 Practical Strategies to Develop Patience in Business
While patience is a valuable asset, it’s not always easy to practice, especially in an era of instant gratification. Here, Brandon offers five practical strategies to help you grow in the virtue of patience and use it to your advantage:
1. Practice Strategic Waiting
Before making big decisions—whether hiring a new team member or investing in a new tool—force yourself to wait. Give yourself at least 48 hours to process the situation. By giving yourself time to evaluate your options, you’ll make decisions based on discernment, not impulse.
2. Focus on the Long-Term Vision
Shift your mindset from short-term gains to long-term goals. Great companies like Apple, Nike, and Starbucks didn’t achieve success in a day—they took decades to build. By focusing on the bigger picture, you'll be more willing to put in the work, stay the course, and trust the process.
3. Reframe Setbacks as Growth Opportunities
Every challenge can be seen as a stepping stone, not a roadblock. Tony Robbins famously said, “Success is buried on the other side of frustration.” Patience isn’t about sitting idle—it’s about how you handle frustration and failure, using them as opportunities to grow and improve.
4. Train Yourself to Slow Down
Sometimes, the best way to build patience is to practice slowing down in small areas of your life. Eat slowly, walk slowly, speak more slowly—by taking your time in everyday activities, you train yourself to apply the same deliberate pace to business decisions.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps reduce stress and create a sense of control. By starting each day with a moment of stillness, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply a few minutes of quiet reflection, you can build a patient mindset. This simple practice can improve your presence and reduce the anxiety that often fuels impatience.
Why Patience Will Put You Ahead in the Long Run
So, what's the payoff for practicing patience in business? Simply put: sustained success. Businesses that prioritize the long game, focus on smart decisions, and nurture relationships are the ones that continue to grow and thrive over time.
As Steve Jobs wisely put it, “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” Patience doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means sticking with the right things long enough to see results.
The key takeaway from this episode? Trust the process, stay focused on the long-term vision, and keep moving forward, no matter how slowly it feels at times. Success is not about rushing to the finish line—it’s about consistently moving in the right direction.
If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to share it with someone who might need a little reminder to slow down and trust the process. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or managing an established business, practicing patience is one of the best investments you can make.
Be sure to tune in to future episodes of Cliff's Notes for more practical insights and actionable tips to help you succeed in business.
Listen to Cliff's Notes on Apple and Spotify:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/21l0JHY6nR4TMQqm1wRqGB?si=478fcec77dac426d
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cliffs-notes/id1800010301
