As a child, my mother constantly told me, “Patience is a virtue.” To me, that meant this was going to be a long shopping trip…after all, what is a virtue I asked myself? As an adult, comprehension of the statement is clearly different than application.
Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine Corps Sniper with 93 confirmed kills, served several tours in Vietnam. He once crawled 1500 yards, nearly a mile, over a three day span one inch at a time without sleep. The climax of this volunteer mission came down to a single shot that killed a Vietnamese general.
After the second round of my fight with Okami, I returned to my corner and informed my coaches I planned on taking the fight to the ground. Although I was winning the fight on my feet, Okami’s elusive style was frustrating, and I saw no end before allowing it to go to the judges’ decision.
My coaches instructed me to follow the game plan and to remainpatient. I agreed…verbally! After avoiding the clinch during rounds one and two, I casually, and more importantly, lazily engaged the clinch in the third. Like a dam leaking water, I found myself plugging one hole only to find another in an attempt to stop the leak. Avoiding all major catastrophes and winning the decision, my lesson had been learned.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious. - Sun Tzu, The Art of War.
Whether you are driving behind the Sunday driver in the fast lane on the highway, or waiting in the checkout line of the grocery store when a dozen price checks are needed…remember if that is the worst thing that happens to you in a day, to count your blessings. After all…patience is a virtue.
