Persistence… most of the time it seems its easier said than done.  How do we embrace persistence in difficult times?  How do we still stay on the path when it all seems blurred or things don´t seem to be going as planned?

Its focusing on our desired dream or goal that helps us embrace persistence in difficult times.  It is reminding ourselves of the great reward that is to meet us at the end of the journey.  The more we can envision our desired dream or goal, the more challenges begin to appear small as opposed to being obstacles.  It is the challenges we face that make the journey of achieving a dream or goal worthwhile.  Its overcoming the challenges that strengthens us and gives us a strong sense of accomplishment.  True greatness comes from being able to stand up when we fall and continue walking.  Its usually when things get very difficult that we are actually close to achieving success .

As Calvin Coolidge said. “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Our business has recently shown a huge influx of activity which tells me the growing stages of our economy are ahead of us.  We should all pat ourselves on the back for making it through the worst recession we have ever seen.  But let’s not forget to keep that persistence and continue to look at our goals.   It is time to grow and rebuild and we all need to keep that same persistence that kept us going over the tough times. 

I’m going to end with a success distinction from one of my favorite books, “101 Distinctions between Success and Failure” by Keith Cameron Smith and Doug Hanson.

Success if persistence.

Failure is giving up.

Persistence is one of the keys to success and there is no substitute for it.  If you know where you want to go and you don’t give up, you will eventually get there.  Giving up is not an option if you are committed to fulfilling your dreams.  Those who give up, show that they weren’t really committed in the first place. 

Most people will persist until the going gets tough, then they give up.  A few people will keep on keeping on until they reach their goals and these are the people who become successful.  There is truth in the old saying “Tough times don’t last but tough people do.”  Being persistence is being tough.  It means you are committed to doing whatever it takes to be successful.  Don’t settle for less.  That’s called giving up, and you will feel like a failure when you do.  Become a “whatever it takes” person and you will succeed. 

Success is persistence.