Ideals
Aristotle says that one needs an image of kalon to have virtuous action. Image of kalon is what behavioral psychology calls ideals (values). Ideals of behavioral therapy and virtues of positive psychology are the same reality, viewed from a different perspective (goal vs habit, respectively). Ideals show us how to best engage a challenge. Ideals are the way we can reframing any challenge. Acting on ideals (values) makes a given trigger progressively less triggering over time (produces habituation of triggered response). Acting on ideals produces virtuous cycles. Meaning, mastery and pleasure are the outcomes of engaging virtuous cycles. Acting against ideals produces vicious cycles. Negative self-concepts, automation, and discomfort are the outcomes of engaging vicious cycles. Virtuous cycles are reinforced by the reward of practicing ideals (“virtues are their own reward”, positive reinforcement). Vicious cycles are reinforced by the relief of giving in (negative reinforcement). Patience is the willingness to suffer discomfort as you practice your ideals. Impatience is unwillingness for same. Patience is the breaker of every vicious cycle. Patience paradoxically reduces suffering, which habituates as reward increases.
An open question: Is patience related to the concept of self-compassion?