A Scandinavian media outlet once conducted a fascinating survey. They sent a questionnaire to numerous celebrities, asking: What kind of people are most likely to succeed?
The responses varied widely, but one stood out and captured the organizers’ attention: “People who get bored easily have a hard time succeeding; people who don’t get bored are more likely to succeed.”
Intrigued, the organizers followed up with a second questionnaire, asking if people agreed with this observation. The result? 100% agreement.
This sentiment can be boiled down to one key trait: patience.
Patience is the ability to calmly endure challenging people, frustrating situations, or repetitive, difficult tasks. Impatient individuals, prone to irritation, often struggle to focus or deal with obstacles, whether it’s a problematic coworker, a long-term project, or unexpected setbacks. On the other hand, patient individuals have the endurance to persist, adapt, and remain composed in the face of challenges.
Over time, this steady resilience leads to success — not by avoiding difficulties, but by overcoming them with grace and determination. Whether applied to people, situations, or tasks, patience is the quiet strength that drives lasting success.
A mark of true greatness
Zeng Guofan, a distinguished general, politician, and reformer of the Qing Dynasty, understood the value of patience in determining a person’s potential. When his disciple, Li Hongzhang, recommended three men for positions in the Huai army, Zeng Guofan chose an unconventional method to evaluate them.
Rather than meeting them immediately, Zheng let them wait outside, and Zeng observed the three men in secret. After half an hour, he noticed distinct differences in their behavior. One man stood impatiently, glancing around the room. Another appeared anxious, though he maintained a polite posture. The third man, however, displayed remarkable composure. He stood calmly, hands behind his back, watching the clouds float by with an air of natural ease.
After this quiet observation, Zeng made his decision. Turning to Li Hongzhang, he said: “Only one of these men can be trusted with great responsibilities.”
When asked how he knew, Zeng replied: “The most important quality for achieving great things is patience. Of these three, only one can endure trouble with composure. He will go on to do great things.”
Zeng’s judgment proved to be spot on. The man he selected, Liu Mingchuan, went on to become a renowned general in the Huai army and a key figure in the Sino-French War.
This story underscores the profound importance of patience — not just in enduring challenges but in achieving greatness. Those who remain composed and steadfast in the face of uncertainty are often the ones who rise to the occasion and leave a lasting legacy.
The key to wisdom
Zeng Guofan, known for his wisdom and patience, once received a letter from his younger brother, Zeng Guoquan, expressing frustration. His brother wrote: “It is so painful to have to show respect to unworthy people, such as puppets and villains, while trying to implement my plans.”
In response, Zeng Guofan offered a thoughtful warning: Impatience in such situations could make it difficult to get along with others in the future. He explained that patience is essential for treating others with tolerance and wisdom.
The world is full of people with differing values and character. While it’s natural to form friendships with those who share similar values, Zeng advised against openly antagonizing deceitful or untrustworthy individuals. Instead, he encouraged focusing on one’s goals and maintaining one’s composure, even when dealing with people one might not respect.
Zeng’s advice highlights the importance of patience in navigating relationships. By staying calm and tolerant, one can rise above frustration and handle both people and situations with grace and wisdom.
The strength to endure
Zeng Guofan believed deeply in the power of patience as a means to endure pressure and overcome challenges. He learned that patience is essential for self-mastery through studying ancient classics. This ability to control oneself and endure adversity is the foundation of resilience and a defining quality of great individuals.
In his later years, Zeng reflected on his life, saying that though he had been “humiliated and scolded all his life, his determination remained unshakable.” Despite relentless criticism and hardship, this unwavering resolvebecame the secret to his enduring success, as recognized by later generations.
Resilient individuals can tolerate disturbances from people, events, or situations without being overwhelmed or moved by them. They can quiet their inner turmoil, exclude distractions, and focus on finding solutions. As an old saying reminds us: “In challenging situations, one should remain calm and stabilize their position without panicking.”
In moments of crisis, complaining achieves nothing. On the other hand, patience enables quiet reflection, careful decision-making, and thoughtful action. True patience also involves stepping outside oneself — considering the perspectives of others and acting with empathy.
When patience becomes second nature, success is not far away. The ability to endure troubles calmly and think beyond one’s own interests leads to clarity, peace, and the resilience to triumph over adversity.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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