If the stakes are high enough and the duration you need to keep it together is short enough, can you control your response?
Because if we can do it then, we can learn to do it now. Acknowledging that it’s a choice is difficult, because choices come with responsibility. “I’m not a patient person,” is not the same as, “Being patient requires a lot of work for me.”
Attitudes are skills. Like all skills, they take practice, preparation and effort.
Here’s a list to get you started:
Empathy
Generosity
Kindness
Patience
Fairness
Gratitude
Forgiveness
Trust
Honesty
Humility
Self-awareness
Integrity
Accountability
Self-discipline
Equanimity
Self-compassion
Bravery
Persistence
Resilience
Consistency
Optimism
Adaptability
Acceptance
Grit
Curiosity
Open-mindedness
Discernment
Focus
Thoroughness
Initiative
Craftsmanship
Generosity of spirit
Service
Stewardship
Wonder
Responsibility
Dignity
Commitment
Presence
If we can learn them, even a little, they’re skills. Great news.