persistence – (noun) the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people
Many people throughout time have shown enduring persistence in their lives. Abraham Lincoln lost several elections and failed in business before becoming one of the most well-known presidents in US history. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team before becoming a six-time NBA champion. Hellen Keller overcame blindness and deafness, eventually becoming a writer and activist. The Beatles faced rejections from multiple recording labels (including two from the same music executive) before breaking multiple records in the industry, including the most No. 1 songs on the Hot 100 Chart and the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 100 – which they still hold 60 years after their first No. 1.
Everyone runs into challenges in life. Jobs are lost. Illness and disabilities strike. Personal tragedies happen. People are discouraging. We all get knocked down sometimes. What’s important is how we respond. Persistence allows us to get up, dust ourselves off, and show that we just won’t stop.
Each person has their own definition of success. You may see success as having a thriving business, earning a degree, or owning your ideal dream home. Whatever that vision is for you, persistence is necessary in getting where you want to go in life. Talent can be gained through training and practice. Leadership skills can be learned. But only you can keep pushing forward when the world pushes back. Let your persistence guide you to reaching your goals.
