A couple weeks ago, I found myself doing something I usually try to avoid: waiting.

I had spoken with both my recruiter AND the corporate talent acquisition guru for a top grocery chain in regard to a position at their corporate office and, when all was said and done, they began preparations for me to meet with the hiring manager.

The only problem was that she was going on vacation and the second round of interviews would until her return. Actually, the first round of interviews following mine with the recruiters would not even be complete until her return

But I stayed on top of it, keeping the manager’s return date on my calendar. l stayed in contact with the guru and my recruiter so that we would be able to schedule that crucial second interview that I was recommended for, and to remind them that I was still so very interested. I kept my one day off that week open for it, and they even reached out to confirm that I was available that whole day.

That morning, I drank my coffee and I waited.

I had my breakfast and I waited.

I attended the noon service at my church, prayed, and waited.

I returned home and waited. I used up my entire day off waiting for a call that didn’t happen.

The next day, I learned that the company had ended the second round of interviews early after one interview…the day before my expected interview.

Looking back on the day, I recall how anti-proactive I was by preventing myself from getting involved in anything out of fear of them calling if I did: going for a hike, exploring other opportunities, working on my book, reading a book, chores.

Other than attending Mass, I wasted an entire day of rest worrying about something that had never been set in stone, even though I had my notes and questions, and was completely prepared should they have called. I had mistaken the sloppy inactivity of waiting for patience.

Never let the possibility of something keep you from doing something great.

Patience is a virtue.

Waiting is not.