One drop of water doesn’t seem like much until you consider that a droplet of water, repeatedly beating down on a stone, can carve it and wear it down. Just think what you can achieve by remaining focused and steadfast in the face of adversity. That’s the power of perseverance.

You don’t have to be the smartest person or have the greatest ability to overcome adversity. If you work hard, remain determined, and stay resilient you’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish. The key is having the confidence that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, rather than expecting the circumstances to change. As Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, said, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

Success Is a Choice

There are many times when your determination will be tested. When that happens, be courageous. Be strong. And remain persistent in the face of adversity. Here are 10 cases where perseverance is key to success:

Overcome overwhelming odds. You will be faced with impossible odds. You’ll have the option to forge ahead or throw in the towel.

Navigate obstacles. You will be confronted by challenges and barriers. You’ll have the option to find a way around them or let them beat you.

Tune out negativity. There will be naysayers who’ll discourage you from pursuing your dreams. You’ll have the option to let them demoralize you or plow ahead.

Leave mistakes behind. There will be times when you do something wrong. You’ll have the option to play the blame game or accept responsibility, learn from your mistakes, and move on.

Accept rejection. You will have doors slammed in your face. (Ouch.) You’ll have the option to accept “no” for an answer or press forward until you obtain a “yes.”

Get negative feedback. There will be times when someone tells you to raise your game. You’ll have the option to view that feedback as a slap in the face or treat it as an opportunity for personal growth.

Bounce back from failure. There will be times when you’re faced with bone-crushing disappointment. You’ll have the option to feel sorry for yourself or get back on the horse again.

Stay positive when the chips are down. There will be spells when you go through hard times. You’ll have the option to blame the world for your circumstances or go forth with dignity and grace.

Swim against the tide. There will be times when you’re pressured to follow the crowd. You’ll have the option to jump on the bandwagon or do what’s right for you.

Remain true to your values. There will be folks who will lead you astray. You’ll have the option to lower your personal standards or listen to your conscience.

You’ll notice that every item listed above contains the phrase, “you’ll have the option.” That’s because perseverance is a choice. Life isn’t about the number of ups and downs that you experience, but how you deal with them. Perseverance is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised regularly to grow and develop.

Some people put more work into their excuses than their job.

Desire, Strength, and Perseverance

It’s easy to make excuses why you can’t (or should I say, won’t) stay strong and plow ahead — but every time you give in to a moment of weakness, you will face the consequences. The fact is that everything you do today will have a direct impact on your future. While you may dismiss any single action as insignificant, it’s easy for tiny gestures to become a habit. As Walter Elliot, the Scottish politician, said, “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”

There will be a time when your mind and body beg you to quit. The painless choice is to give in to temptation and quit. That’s when your true character will come into view. Will you take the easy road and give in or fight the better fight? No one can answer that question but you. Just remember the words of Confucius, “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.”

What Do You Think About Perseverance?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.

Additional Reading:
Never Lower Your Personal Standards. Never!
Do You Choose Convenience Over Principles?
Get It Done!
Do You Listen to Your Conscience?
Don’t Quit. Show Some Grit.
Do You Rise to the Occasion?

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