Embracing Delays and Reshaping Your Focus

Have you ever almost made it onto the train (or bus), just steps away, only to see the doors close in front of you? In those moments, a single second or minute can mean catching your train or watching it leave. Waiting for the next one can truly test your patience and increase your annoyance.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Your mind starts replaying every step you took, searching for that one thing you could have done differently to make it on time. Maybe if you ran faster, didn’t go back to the bathroom, wore better shoes, or left a bit earlier.

All those reasons and regrets pile up and stick in your mind, making it hard to let go.

With these thoughts whirling, you search for a seat at the station, frustration still simmering inside. As you settle in, you face the unavoidable task ahead: waiting.

So what do you do while you’re waiting? Do thoughts linger about being on time if you hadn’t been a minute late? Do you think missing this train ruined your day?

I feel frustrated too, especially if I must wait long for the next train, knowing I’ll be late. This often reminds me of other times I didn’t make it. But sitting with those feelings helps me reflect on the present and recognize the good in my life.

From there, I try to focus on what the rest of the day could bring. Missing a train doesn’t have to ruin everything. One thing that helps me is thinking of three things I’m looking forward to, like reading a book, writing in my digital journal, or chatting with a friend online. This simple habit helps me shift my attention and look for new opportunities.

Sometimes, the delay is actually the reason that you’ll make it. For example, you know that you will be late for your train but you still tried to hurry anyway. It turned out, the train is delayed, so at that moment you are just right in time.

It might sound vague, but I believe things happen for a reason.

For instance, a few years ago, I rushed to the station hoping to catch my train home after a long day. Just as I reached the platform, the train already left and I read on the screen that there’s a delay with the next one. Frustrated, I sat on a nearby bench, resigned to waiting for the next one. As I waited, I noticed an older woman taking her own photos. I asked if she wanted me to take one for her, which sparked a conversation about travel. She shared stories about her family and the book she was reading. What began as an irritating delay turned into a memorable conversation that left me feeling inspired and grateful for the unexpected pause in my routine.

Stories like this make me notice how some tales of survival start with missing a train or a plane. People have shared how being just a minute late kept them from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Others talk about unexpected connections made at the airport while waiting for their plane. Even in moments of frustration, delays can lead to new beginnings, chance encounters, and outcomes we never expected.

Reflecting further, there are many moments in our lives when we “almost” made it. It could be a lifelong dream you’ve been praying for, a promotion, a breakthrough, passing a test, making it to your dream university, winning a gold medal, or breaking a record. But these things didn’t happen at the exact moment when you most hoped for them.

Yet, when you look back, you might realize you’re right where you need to be. The choices you make now shape your future, and today’s delay could lead to something good later on.

So, what has changed in your life that turned out better than the outcome you were expecting? Where are you in your life now, taking into account all those moments of 'almost'? These moments might be the very reason you've achieved what you have today. They will shape what's possible in your future as well.

Whenever delays and frustration arise, remember you can choose how to view them. They might feel like setbacks or offer a chance to refocus. That perspective shapes your experience. A delay doesn’t have to ruin your day—use it to grow and show resilience. Your response is up to you.

So try to see things from a new perspective today. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Every moment is a chance to start fresh, so give yourself permission to embrace it fully, and move forward with confidence.