Perseverance and persistence on the path to greater success

Perseverance

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Confucius

One of the greatest character traits you can have is perseverance. According to www.Dictionary.com, “perseverance” steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Having perseverance means that you will keep trying until you accomplish your goal or get something right.

Think back on some of those times when you used your perseverance. What did you do? How long and how often did you repeat the needed behavior you needed to achieve success? Did you ultimately get the results you wanted? What did you learn from the experience?

One of the keys to experiencing positive results from your perseverance is to know when you must be persistent. Once you have a good feel for determining when being persistent is most likely to help you get what you desire, then you can practice your strategies that help you develop even greater persistence. As with many other activities, the more you practice the better you will get at it!

Strategies:

1. Accept that anyone can be persistent. If you have ever doubted that you could hang in during a difficult situation until your goal is met, stop doubting yourself! Everyone is capable of exhibiting perseverance.

2. Importance. Ask yourself, “How important is this issue to me?” Because being persistent and using your perseverance requires quite a bit of mental energy, and in some cases, physical energy as well. At the outset you want to be sure that the issue or situation is important enough to you for you to put in the effort.

3. Goals. Be very clear about your goal. Know what you want. What do you hope to accomplish? And at least as important, why do you want to accomplish it? Your focus on the desired end product or goal will help propel you forward.

4. Faith is your fuel. Although being persistent doesn’t require any particular type of talent or skill, it does take some faith in what you are doing to keep you going. It is important to truly believe that what you are working toward will work out eventually. If you believe, you will persist.

5. Change your perspective. Try different angles. If one approach doesn’t seem to be working well for you, try another. Then repeat an approach you tried earlier but adjust it slightly. Sometimes, persistence involves a certain amount of experimentation before you achieve your goal.

6. Tweak as you go. It really is okay to change what you want and tweak your goals. If you find that your situation has changed or the goal is no longer integral to your life, change directions with confidence. Create a new plan that will get you to your new goal.

7. Don’t give in. Avoid giving up unless your goal changes or the importance of the issue has waned.

8. Find a role model. Be inspired by someone who persisted and succeeded at the very thing you want to do. Stories of persistence leading to success are everywhere to inspire you. Writers, athletes, musicians, and people from other walks of life have their inspiring stories of persistence to tell. Look at these:

- J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, claims to have submitted her first Potter novel to many publishers who rejected the manuscript numerous times before it was finally accepted for printing. Throughout those months of waiting, Rowling just kept writing about Harry and his crew. She persisted.

- Consider Michael Jordan, proclaimed to be the best basketball player ever by many all over the world. Jordan says he couldn’t even make the varsity basketball team in his high school when he was a sophomore. And that fact only made him more determined. He was persistent and eventually achieved every goal imaginable in his field.

Find your own hero who persisted and rose above the fray. Seek your own inspiration to compel you to be persistent.

Know the importance of your situation as well as your goal. Keep the faith, continue to experiment, and adjust your goals if absolutely needed. Don’t give up unless it’s time. And, finally, find your own hero who persisted and eventually achieved great things.

Being persistent is simple, but it absolutely requires courageous effort.

The best part is… anyone can do it!

For more information on tis subject, see www.martinamcgowan.com

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