How to Develop Persistence

What exactly is Persistence? Why is it central to long term success in any field of endeavor in these uncertain times? How can the average person develop it?

per·sist·ence /p?r?sist?ns/ “A firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty. Determination, tenacity, resolve.” 

We only need to look back into history for answers and examples.

W.C. Fields became famous in the 1920’s in Vaudeville. He was a brilliant juggler, comedian and story teller. During the Depression he lost all his money and found himself without income and his means of making a living. It not longer existed. (Sound familiar?) Moreover, he was past sixty years old, an age when many men consider themselves “old”. He was so eager to make a comeback that he offered to work without pay in a new field, Motion Pictures. In addition to his other troubles, he fell and injured his neck. For many people that would be the place to quit. But Fields was persistent. He knew that if he carried out his plan and kept moving forward he would get the “breaks” sooner or later. He did get them, but not by chance or luck. His decision, backed by a burning desire and persistence made him an even bigger star than before.  

If you doubt me, watch the video on YouTube entitled “The Golf Specialist”. It’s pure comic genius. https://youtu.be/wfm8gR12hA4

What follow are Five Simple Steps to acquire the habit of persistence:

1. Have a Definite Aim or Purpose. Find a New Need and Fill It! It’s best if it’s a Product or Service you are passionate about.

2. Develop a Burning Desire to Achieve it. What is your WHY?

3. Create a Definite Plan to Achieve it. How much by When?

4. Avoid the Negative Influence of Naysayers and Haters. Anchors away! Proving Naysayers Wrong is rewarding. 

5. Develop a Friendly Alliance of Two or More People of Like Mind that believe in the cause to join you in its accomplishment.

If you listen to the way persistent people talk, it’s easy to see why they succeed. They say things like “Come hell or high water, I will achieve my goal.” Or, “No matter what…this is going to happen!” “This I will achieve!” 

What follow are my three favorite quotes on the subjects, which by the way came out the Great Depression from 1929-1935:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men 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.”  -Calvin Coolidge

“Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel. Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”     -Napoleon Hill

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.”  -Dale Carnegie

If you are a student of history, you know the best information, ideas and inspiration came from the most challenging times. We are a determined and tenacious people. WE will overcome. This too shall pass. As John F. Kennedy said during the Bay of Pigs Crisis “A rising tide lifts all boats!” 

Forget Netflix. I’m going back to YouTube and watch a few more W.C. Fields short films. I need a good laugh.  “Now stand back and keep your eye on the ball…”

Mark Matteson, Best Selling Author, International Speaker

To order one of my books, go to: www.sparkingsuccess.net/store

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To watch a few short videos, simply click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Jt8ckNfTLjxDxIHiJFmLQ

To Listen to my Podcasts, click on the links below:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Igt7mg2ocg5uznucgczjyfbqs3m?t=On_Books_and_People_with_Mark_Matteson

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-books-and-people-with-mark-matteson/id1485933233