SoberSolstice. I would be willing to bet that there might be only 10 or 20 Thousand people on here that know exactly what you're talking about.
When we attempt to improve ourselves and escape many detrimental situations, I believe we attach a certain sense of urgency to the matter. We may not even realize we are doing. It's part of our immediate gratification thing and us alcoholics and addicts are notorious for it. It's the very reason we drink/use...without regard for the consequences. We want to cop a buzz and feel good....NOW !!!
Along the same lines when we stop drinking we want to be over the discomfort...NOW !...never to desire alcohol or drugs again, ever !
When we start a diet to lose weight and improve ourselves, we want to begin the diet today and wake tomorrow morning 15# lighter!
Needless to say, in both cases, it just doesnt work that way. Hense all the catchy slogans and phrases made popular by AA and other organizations.
"Easy Does it"..."One Day at a Time"..."Strive for progress, not perfection", "The Miracle will happen it is own good time" etc...
As another aside, Sobriety/Recovery and gardening will teach patience, if we are willing to learn from it.
Hope this helps.
DD