Perseverance can be a tough mindset to have in this day and time. Life can be difficult and full of obstacles. Sometimes, people might want to take the path of non-resistance. That may be the easiest path, but will it be the best path in the long run?
When pursuing a goal of any kind, there are two basic belief systems that determine how people will respond. They’ll either get discouraged for some reason and give up. Or, they’ll embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and try again. The latter is perseverance.
In this article, Michael Pollock discusses the science of perseverance and how your beliefs can strengthen or weaken your motivation.
“Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance and facing your fears.” ~ Gillian Anderson
Here are some considerations to encourage perseverance:
Start with the Vision
Vision provides the reason to pursue a specific goal and to formulate a plan. Once the plan is set, the goal and the path can be lined out. Setting small goals and reaching milestones will help to gain positive feelings of accomplishments for the long term vision and goals.
“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.” ~Kalpana Chawla
Strive for Drive
To carry out difficult goals, one must be self-driven. This is a key ingredient in the perseverance recipe. People who are self-driven have the inner strength and passion to complete difficult tasks without giving up. They have the innate ability to dig deep and find the motivation without the influence of others. They ignore the naysayers and follow their own heart.
“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of.” ~Bethany Hamilton
Be Tenacious
Having tenacity is being self-driven on steroids. A tenacious person will tackle challenges head on, regardless of the difficulty. People may tell them that they just need to give up for one reason or another; but tenacity won’t allow it. A tenacious person has the innate determination and strength of will to keep going after their goal, no matter what. It’s in this spirit that one may say “what’s the worst that can happen?” And, they go for it. Such a feeling of accomplishment the tenacious ones have after they’ve reached the “impossible” goal.
“Extremely strong, effective, tenacious, and powerful political networks can be built when you fight losing battles as well as when you win.” ~Patricia Ireland
Be Optimistic
Of course, optimism will be essential in perseverance. In fact, it’s the driving force in moving forward. When one faces change and hardship, it’s a positive attitude that repels defeat and keeps one resilient against negative circumstances. An optimistic person will naturally have the self-fulfilling prophecy and expectation of success.
“Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.” ~Nicholas M. Butler
Final Thoughts
Can perseverance be taught? Absolutely, it is a skill that that can be learned through trial and error. It’s a skill that can be taught just like any other competency. Perseverance is a quality that allows someone to pursue their goals even when faced with impossible challenges and difficulties.