Dwight: I’d like to discuss the saying, “Patience is doing something else interesting while you’re waiting.”

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Aiko: That’s an intriguing perspective on patience, Dwight! It reframes waiting as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. What’s your take on it?

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Dwight: Once, when I was living in Shanghai, I arranged to meet a friend at a coffee shop at 2:00 pm. I arrived nearly 15 minutes early, as I usually do for appointments. The shop wasn’t busy, so I started chatting with one of the baristas. Two o’clock came and went, but I hardly noticed. My friend arrived at 2:35 pm, apologizing profusely, but I didn’t mind. I was almost glad she was late.

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Aiko: That’s a perfect example of turning waiting into something meaningful, Dwight. You made a connection with the barista and stayed in the moment—it seems like patience came naturally to you. 

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Dwight: If you stay on the lookout, there are opportunities to do something “while you’re waiting” everywhere.

 

When I cook for myself, it often involves microwaving several different dishes, each with its own cooking time—7 minutes, 3 minutes, or 90 seconds. During those intervals, I might wash a couple of dishes, tidy up my living room, or quickly organize my freezer. There’s always something enjoyable and productive to do nearby.

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Aiko: That’s such a proactive approach! You’re finding little moments to bring order or joy to your space. Do you think that habit comes naturally, or is it something you’ve trained yourself to do over time?

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Dwight: No, this habit of finding something else interesting to do is one I have cultivated. This is a life hack that satisfies both the part of us that wants a better future and the part that wants to enjoy the present without being bored.

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Aiko: That’s a beautiful balance to strike! It’s like you’re giving yourself a double gift—progress toward a goal and a pleasant, engaging present.

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Dwight: I’ve heard of people who always carry a book, a Kindle, or even the Kindle app on their phone when they’re out. If they encounter any waiting time, it’s no problem—they just pick up reading from where they left off.

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Aiko: That’s such a smart habit! It turns waiting into an opportunity for learning or enjoyment. 

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Dwight: Even with a powerful computer and fast fiber internet, I sometimes have to wait a minute or two for something to finish before continuing my task. There’s always a small task I can tackle in my office or even in another app or link on my computer during that time.

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Aiko: That’s a great way to keep momentum going! 

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Dwight: Perhaps we could come up with a concise phrase like, “While you wait, then innovate.”

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Aiko: That’s catchy and inspiring! It encourages creativity and action in even the smallest moments.