A Watched Pot Never Boils

"A watched pot never boils" conveys the idea that time seems to move more slowly when you are anxiously or impatiently waiting for something to happen. By constantly checking or focusing on a process, it can feel as though it's taking longer than it actually is.

In a broader sense, it suggests that it's more productive to engage in other activities or divert your attention rather than obsessively waiting for a particular outcome. For example, if someone is waiting for a response to an important email, constantly checking their inbox won't make the reply come any faster. It might be better to focus on other tasks and check back later.