The Power of Persistence
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” — Vince Lombardi
In the journey of life, obstacles often come our way, testing our resolve and determination. However, it is crucial to recognise we can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and success. When setbacks become repetitive, it is easy to lose motivation and enthusiasm towards our goals and dreams. We might perceive the obstacles as insurmountable, overshadowing our ability to find alternative ways to overcome them. But it is during such moments that a change in perception becomes vital; choosing to view our problems through the lens of positivity rather than negativity. The key lies in cultivating the right mindset to navigate through challenges.
Persistence, it seems, hinges on mindset and having a strong enough reason to overcome pain and disappointment. It is about realising we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by advancing towards our goals, even in the face of setbacks. Failure and disappointment should not deter us unless we allow them to. While it may seem that our problems are insurmountable, it is essential to acknowledge that countless individuals have experienced similar setbacks throughout their lives, yet overcome them and gained self-confidence. Do you have a similar experience to draw upon? Do you frequently find yourself running into the same issues? What wisdom have you gained from those experiences?
Rather than trying to change the external world and circumstances, true transformation starts from within ourselves. If we have experienced difficulties and repeatedly failed to change our circumstances, life is calling us to delve deeper into our inner world for profound change. This may sound like New Age mumbo-jumbo to some, but the words come from personal experience and the wisdom gained from coaching numerous individuals on their journeys. It is a testament to the power that resides within us, a power not to be taken lightly but harnessed frequently. The human imagination is aligned with a greater intelligence, be it referred to as God, source, infinite potential, or even nothingness. The understanding lies in the fact we are connected to a vast intelligence that transcends our comprehension. This invitation is not to believe in something outside ourselves if one does not already, nor is it an endorsement of religion. Rather, it is an encouragement to appreciate the untapped potential within each of us, to recognise the immense power we possess.
The Importance of a Compelling Reason
“If you don’t have a compelling reason to get out of bed in the morning, you’re never going to be a great success.” — Zig Ziglar
In the pursuit of our dreams, we often discover that losing can teach us more than winning ever could. It is through our losses and setbacks that we gain a deeper understanding of our tenacious spirit and unwavering determination. The path to success is often paved with failures and setbacks, leading us closer to achieving our goals. Many individuals, once they achieve success, become complacent and cease doing what it took to reach that pinnacle. They neglect the necessary actions, abandon their habits, and lose their discipline. Success, however, should not be viewed as reaching the top of a mountain and declaring the journey complete. Adopting such an attitude places success at risk of being taken away. Complacency can lead to losing everything one has worked hard for, necessitating starting anew. The power of persistence lies in maintaining momentum and avoiding stops and starts. To achieve the success we deserve, we must discover a compelling reason and find a powerful motivation.
Relying on external factors to propel us forward is risky, as life has a way of intervening and causing us to drop the baton, potentially losing the race. As someone who has come this far, it is clear you are not one to give up easily. Therefore, remain committed and enthusiastic about the smallest daily actions that lead toward your goals. Develop strategies to stay disciplined and unwavering, ensuring that minor obstacles do not derail your progress. Could you do this? Could you give yourself the gift of dedication and focus in reaching your goals? This question requires your answer, and if you feel lost, pause and think it through.
Personally, my compelling reason stems from my father passing away and overcoming my own battle with a life-threatening illness decades ago. I have written about these experiences in my book, The Power To Navigate Life: Your Journey To Freedom. Confronting mortality has instilled in me the value of cherishing every moment, recognising life as a precious gift to be savoured. It is essential to pursue what resonates deeply with our inner selves and not allow insignificant events to plunge us into despair. While anguish and heartache may be part of the journey, we mustn’t linger in our problems. The adage “fall down seven times, get up eight” should be imprinted in our psyche. We mustn’t allow anything or anyone to halt us from achieving what we have set out to do. This remarkable life is too precious to leave to chance. It holds too much value to dwell on what could have been. Therefore, seize the opportunity, take action, and pursue your dreams with unwavering commitment, giving every ounce of yourself, just like a sponge wrung of water. Only then can you claim to have truly engaged with life and gained immeasurable returns.
