Perseverance

They who are the most persistent, and work in the true spirit, will invariably be the most successful.  Samuel Smiles

For many people starting a task is tough, but for most people, the real difficulty is to persist and complete a task. The problem starts when our initial enthusiasm is dampened by obstacles in the process of accomplishing the task, the negative feedback we get while doing the task and the lack of motivation that often accompanies a long drawn out project. There are  also times when failures pin prick our confidence, a perceptible lack of clarity ahead acts as a stumbling block and the lure of giving up to ensure peace of mind seems an easy option. Unfortunately, the world recognizance’s only the accomplishments and rarely gives credit to the efforts.

How do successful people accomplish their tasks? Hard work is one quality that is essential but it is their self belief and persistence which hold the secrets of accomplishment. Self belief gives them thrust to plan, start and follow up on the assignments and persistence comes from their visualization of their goal, ability to build up on the stones of criticism, their ability to adapt and adopt new learning’s even when they go counter to their own original hypothesis and their attitude towards Life in general and Work in particular.

Persistence is not dogmatism. When you are dogmatic, you tend to ignore the facts and lay emphasis on only your personal belief. When one is dogmatic, you will never know when to change tracks, explore new hypothesis and discover new avenues to reach your goal. There are times, when we by error of judgment or lack of data or knowledge get blinkered into bulldozing our way trying to badger our way into realizing success, but alas that is dogmatism personified not persistence. Persistence on the other hand means not giving up, but doesn’t mean not changing tracks when the obvious way forward is to dig a new tunnel, chart a new course or re look the original hypothesis. There is a very thin line between persistence and dogmatism and when that line blur’s, many people on the cusp of a great success, fail inches short of their target and live an inglorious life of regret. It is the person who has a steely resolve, an open mind and a creative leaning who can harness hard work, knowledge and abilities to succeed.

Remember: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people 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” – Calvin Coolidge

Try these:

1. What are your passions / hobbies? Were they the same in your childhood? Are you pursuing it with the dedication and persistence that you would really love to? If not, is it lack of time or lack of financial resources or is it simply your lack of persistence that is responsible for your failure to pursue it?
2. Think of 2 bad habits that you would like to get rid of. Now outline an action plan to eliminate it and put a time line to it. Start your attempt to overcome the bad habit and examine how your resilience will help you overcome it. If you are unable to overcome, are you willing to take blame for it but be aware that it dosen’t absolve you of not overcoming the problem