I too find that I get impatient when I feel that others are impeding my progress. But two things that have helped me are the idea that when I HAVE to slow down then "fate" is giving me a break that I need. For example... say I am in a hurry to get somewhere, and traffic is horrid and I am forced to proceed at a snail's pace.... I choose to see that as "fate" giving me a chance to sit and do nothing. I get a chance to turn on the radio and mellow out. There's nothing I can do to change the amount of traffic. So the only thing I can control is my attitude. Which brings me to the next tool that has helped. And that is part of the "Fish Philosophy". The Fish Philosophy is touted to have been started by a group of fish mongers at Pike's fish market in the state of Washington. Part of it dictates to choose your attitude. You get to decide what your response is to any given situation. Easier said than done. But by choosing how you deal with stuff... you stay in control of yourself most of the time. You ACT not re-act. No one can make you angry without your permission. No one can make you feel anything unless you allow it. Sure... you're going to have strong emotions that you can't so easily change. You're going to get frustrated when people don't respond to you as you would like. But... if you can step back a little and think about it... it is possible to choose your state of mind. I know... because I have done this. Most of the time I can choose to remain easy going in maddening situations.
there are four parts to the Fish Philosophy:
1. Play - Have a little fun at work, school, everywhere.
2. Make their day - Go M.A.D. [Make a Difference], engage others. Make them part of the fun.
3. Be there - actually pay attention, to make sure you take care of the person in front of you right now!
4. Choose your attitude - Before you go to work in the morning, pick out an attitude, just like you choose your underwear.
here are some links
FISH! Philosophy :: What is FISH! FISH! Philosophy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia