Lately, when I tell people about meditation and how much it has changed my life, I get the same response: "That sounds nice but I don't think I have the patience for meditation" or "Meditation sounds cool but it's not for me."

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

The truth of the matter is that most people make assumptions about meditation before they even try it or really know what it is. I was the same way before I started practicing meditation and forcing myself to try completely changed my mind.

People almost always assume that they don't have enough patience for meditation.

That's where they get it all wrong.

When I started meditating, I wasn't good at being patient by any means. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to sit down and just breathe for extended periods of time. I didn't think I would ever be able to clear my mind. But what I've learned from meditation so far is that I was looking at things the wrong way; rather than worrying about having patience, I am now learning that mediation is teaching me patience.

Yes, you read that right. You don't have to go into mediation with any skills or any particular mindset, other than your willingness to try. That's literally all you need.

What people never think about is all that mediation can help you with once you start practicing on a regular basis.

It not only brings you patience and mindfulness, but it also provides you with tools to help you cope with the toughest moments in life.

I no longer get really anxious or stressed about any major assignments or presentations; instead, I embrace what comes and use mediation to prepare me. With meditation, I have been more productive than ever.

It sounds kind of vague like I'm describing some mystery drug that helps you get stuff done, but that's not it at all. Honestly, you can't fully understand until you try it. But once you do, I promise you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.

So all I'm asking is that you try it. At least once or twice. Download a meditation app or take a class, just make sure you're not just guessing at it.

You can also make it what you want.

There are so many different techniques and practices for meditation, you can choose whichever works best for you. It also means you have plenty of options to choose from.

Once you've tried it, and I mean really tried it, then you can make a judgment call. If you really don't like it, then maybe it isn't for you after all. And that's okay; it's not for everyone. Just make sure you try it before you assume it won't change your life.