Alfred Ajayi
It was Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Swiss-born French philosopher, writer, and political theorist, who once said – “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”.
Still in Rousseau’s line of thought another philosopher Aristotle said “Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit.” This reinforces the idea of delayed but worthy outcomes.
Rosseau and Aristotle were pointing at the invaluable essence of patience in nurturing great ideas into reality.
Many professionals across various fields of human endeavours started great things but could not nurture them to global acclamation.
They lacked the patience, forbearance and endurance needed to see such ideas through the process of becoming.
Living one’s dream comes with a cost – readiness to endure through the process and period of making.
Professionals in all spheres of life must study and understand the patience of the farmer in building enduring, productive and eventful careers.
I recall the encouragement from one of my former bosses. Whenever he noticed that I was overwhelmed with assignments, he always said to me – “Ajayi, I know that you’re thinking that nobody appreciates all your efforts. Don’t be discouraged because you will reap the harvest at the right time”.
Waiting for harvest
Friedrich Nietzsche said “He who cannot obey himself will be commanded. That is the nature of living creatures. Patience in the face of becoming is necessary”.
Nothing indeed can be truer as I have watched my patience of many years being rewarded in my career journey.
The boss is retired now, but I write with every conviction that my season of harvest is here. It’s indeed my reaping time after a season of relentlessness and patience.
Back to the patience of the farmer, he understands and accepts the fact that no seed produces harvest the next day.
So, he patiently waits until the full circle is completed – no short cut, no magic. After planting, he did not go home to sleep waiting for the time of reaping.
Rather, he weeds, prunes, trims and applies fertilizer – all working towards a good harvest.
If it is corn, he waits for three months for the joy of harvest. The waiting is even longer for long-duration crops.
Not so with many professionals. They are desperate for results but often jettison the time-tested process of achieving them.
They want to get to Paradise but they don’t want to die. They hope for the zenith but are not ready to pay the price.
Gains without pains
Many professionals both old and young covet the achievements of successful colleagues who had paid their dues but are not ready to tow their thorny paths.
They seek for gains without pains. They want career-impacting opportunities without learning the “hows”.
Many professionals are simply impatient with their ambitious drive for the zenith. They hope for success without taking time to navigate the space.
Take ample time to learn the rope. Get requisite knowledge that will aid success in that career path.
Truth be told – Most juicy opportunities in any space are attracted by demonstrated experience expertise and requisite information.
Plant your professional seeds and do not go to sleep. The scripture teaches about a farmer who planted his seeds and went back to sleep. His enemy came, planted weed and contaminated the good seeds.
Do more than planting. To planting add weeding, trimming, staking, and pruning as the case may be. Then, tarry for a great harvest.
Those who could not nurture their dream are denied the joy of fulfillment. Keep doing the job. Do not lose touch with emerging trends.
As you wait, do not despite the low-hanging fruits. Take those opportunities that are not as competitive.
With them you build a brand, become a specialist and force to reckon with. That brightens your chances to grab bigger opportunities.
As you wait for reaping, seek mentoring and guidance. Also, be positive with your efforts and wait patiently for the bumper harvest.
You will soar on Eagle’s wing and your anticipated harvest shall not fail.
