Patience isn’t doing nothing. A fisherman waiting is still holding the line.

Waiting well is an active state, and it is not the same as drifting. One version keeps its hands on the thing, stays ready, and notices the first small movement. The other has stopped paying attention and calls it calm. The difference shows up the moment something bites.

If you are waiting on something, define what you are staying ready for and check it at a set time rather than continuously. Keep doing the maintenance work in the meantime. Passive waiting leaves you unprepared for the outcome you were hoping for.