The secret to mastering patience is to do something else in the meantime. Someone apt put. Indeed, its a pain to wait. Especially when you are hoping to get what you want.
I remember the story of turtle and hare during my school. This bloody turtle really had patience and energy to go a long way.
In life, we come across many instances either for applying to a job or studies. When you are waiting to get a document from the office. All requires patience.
Gattz