Don’t Rush Into Things

don't rush

We all can be impatient. I’m not this way in all situations thankfully, but it happens enough for me to be self-aware about it. For instance, I cannot stand slow drivers or traffic. I’m so impatient when I’m in the driver’s seat, even if I don’t have a set time to arrive at my destination. I apologize in advance to those who ride in my car with me.

All jokes aside, there are some serious life moments when being impatient can stink. And just like every other human, they happen to me from time to time. Some people rush into relationships too soon after a breakup (been there, done that), some people rush to have kids right after marriage (definitely won’t be me) and some people take job offers that might not be right for them just because they want the title or salary.

After graduating college, I found a job near my hometown and worked there for almost 2 years while living at home to save money. My boyfriend James did the same thing, but in his home town. We were 3 hours away from each other for almost 2 years. While it wasn’t easy, we didn’t want to rush into things by moving in together too soon or switching jobs at such an early point in our careers. While the distance wasn’t fun, we both knew that one day when the time was right, we would live together.

For me, this is where my impatience became an issue. I’d have a bad day at work and complain to him about how I wanted to find another job closer to him. Or he’d get upset that it had been a month since we’d seen each other, and that would affect our moods. But he, and plenty of other people in my life, always reminded me to be patient. Things will happen when they are supposed to.

Along the way, there were countless ups and downs. I’d hear back from a company about what I thought was my dream job, only to be let down by the salary, hours, or position. I realized that maybe some of these opportunities weren’t meant for me, and that I was forcing myself to like the job just so I could move. I was rushing into things without even realizing it, and wasn’t able to control it.

After this happened a few times, I took on a new attitude. I was at a point in my life where I was focusing on my mental health and happiness, and I found a new mantra. “Don’t rush anything. When the time is right, it will happen”. Although the old me would have scoffed and rolled my eyes if I saw someone share this quote, I realized how true it really was. I began to focus less on when the future would happen and focus more on how to make the most of the now.

Then, when I least expected it, an amazing opportunity came along. Things fell into place. I was financially ready to move, mentally ready to live with a significant other, and I found a job opportunity at a company that really valued me. The next time I find myself being impatient, I will remind myself of the 2 years I struggled and how things became great when the time was right.

Do you tend to rush into certain things? How do you deal with it?

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45 Comments

  1. I’ve been there and your new mantra is on point. I’ve rushed into a relationship and so on and it always ended being a disaster. So my approach is if it’s meant to be it will happen otherwise just let it go.

  2. I can be very impatient, especially when it comes to things that I’m passionate about, but I try my best to live a similar attitude. A lot of things in life aren’t up to me and I can’t control them! Letting go of that is hard but very worth it.

  3. I am one of those people that over analyzes everything so I’m not one to rush into things. Driving is a different story though 🙂

  4. This is true, things will happen when they are meant to! But I totally try to rush things all the time because I am also impatient. I’m glad everything worked out for you and your boyfriend! 🙂 I’m sure now it was worth the wait to move in together and be with each other all the time!

  5. You put into words what I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. There have been so many times where I wanted to rush into something, but am so glad I didn’t, because I probably wouldn’t like the situation now! Nice post 🙂

  6. Such perfect advice. I used to rush everything. Life really has a natural rhythm and if you just allow it to unfold in the way it’s supposed to, every piece falls into place perfectly.

  7. I’m really impatient when it comes to things like this too. But I’ve been working on telling myself that things will happen when the time is right. Most of the time, it’s sooo true. But hindsight is always 20/20! 🙂

  8. So true rachel! I always rush too fast into things and end up telling myself to slow down.

  9. Great advice! It’s so easy to wish certain things would happen right at this moment, but when things are meant to happen, they’ll happen.

  10. Patience (or lack thereof) is definitely an ongoing issue for me, haha. And I struggle with wanting to go out and grab life by the horns, but also accepting that everything happens in due time.

    Great post, Rachel!

  11. So happy things fell into place for you. You’re right – sometimes it just takes a little time, and sometimes more time than expected. SO happy to hear it’s all happening for you now. Great post!

  12. I have a problem with wanting everything to happen on my time…but have learned (especially this past year) that I need to wait and let things happen on the Lord’s time. Such a great post, Rach!

  13. This post definitely serves as a great reminder to me! I’m so impatient when it comes to big ‘life stuff’ and I’m always looking to the next step. I definitely believe that things happen when they’re supposed to and we need to be patient in waiting for the perfect timing and opportunities to present themselves. Great post!

    1. Thank you! It’s so important not to compare yourself to others that are “ahead” of you. It’s not that they are ahead, it’s just that their moment came sooner

  14. This is such a wise post. It’s so easy to dive into things before you are ready or before the situation is quite right…but like you said, the perfect opportunity will eventually appear! So glad everything worked out for you, even if you had to wait it out.

  15. Rachel, so true. I’ve come to learn the same thing after living at home for the past year and a half after school. I’m still dying for my independence but know the time will come soon enough!

    1. I stayed at home for 2 years and got frustrated a lot, but I’m so glad I did it in the long run. Your opportunity will come along when the time is right!

  16. What a great post. I totally agree. Wen its meant to be it happens. Ou have a great blog.

  17. What a great post and a great mantra. I am so impatient at times, I hate not knowing where I am going or what I am doing but sometimes you just have to wait and see what comes your way. Not saying you shouldn’t be working toward something, but sometimes the times aren’t right until they are really right.. you know what I mean?

  18. I never knew how impatient I could be until I graduated! I’ve been living at home for just a little over a year – still working on saving. I know it will help me in the long run but I’m dying to decorate an apartment/house! Haha. But I love the mantra you found – it’s such an important thing to remember 🙂

    1. I was exactly in your place (we’ve spoke about this before), so I totally get it! The right time/opportunity will come along soon 🙂

  19. Rachel,

    You make such great points here! I can’t even tell you how many of my friends I plan to share this with. Timing is everything. Rushing can only lead to more disappointment Its great to hear that you are where you are supposed to be – lots of great encouragement for others!

  20. I am CRAZY impatient! I’m getting a little better at it, and hopefully things will work out for me. I’m SO excited that your pieces are falling into place 🙂

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