The Power of Persistence in Goal Achievement

Achieving our goals can often be a challenging journey filled with obstacles and setbacks. It's easy to feel discouraged when faced with rejection or when progress seems slow. However, the power of persistence can be the difference between giving up and achieving remarkable success.

I recently had the privilege of speaking at TEDx Borrowdale , an experience that was the culmination of a journey marked by persistence and determination.

What if I tell you that I applied to 90 TEDx stages before finally receiving a YES. While some may see the other 89 as rejections and failures, I view them as stepping stones toward my ultimate goal. Each rejection explicit or silent was an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve my pitch for the next application.

Curiously, one of the stages I applied to was the TEDx in my local townL TEDxAnchorage , which coincidentally held their event this past weekend and of course I was there to support their event which was top notch and make connections which I did. Not only with the organizers, speakers but also local people, after all we are all now part of the TEDx family.

And here is something that might shock you: my mindset isn't special, but it is key to succeed in life. In fact, today May 5th, as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, we are reminded of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Like the Mexican army, who fought against a much larger and better-equipped force, we too can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges with determination and persistence.

The journey to achieving our goals is often filled with ups and downs, but it is during the challenging times that our true strength and resilience are tested. Here are some key lessons I've learned about the power of persistence and how to apply these concepts to work and career success:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve and why it's important to you. Having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused and motivated, especially during difficult times.
2. Develop a Positive Mindset: Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. Stay positive even in the face of rejection or setbacks, and use these experiences as opportunities for growth and improvement.
3. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to achieving any goal. Make a plan and stick to it, even when progress seems slow. Small, consistent actions over time can lead to significant results.
4. Seek Feedback and Learn from Failure: Rejection and failure are inevitable parts of the journey to success. Instead of letting them discourage you, use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Seek feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism.
5. Stay Persistent: Success rarely comes overnight. It takes time, effort, and persistence to achieve your goals. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels difficult, and never give up on your dreams.

Applying these concepts can lead to remarkable achievements in your work, career and life.

Whether you're striving for a promotion, starting a new business, or pursuing a passion project, persistence is the key to turning your goals into reality.

Remember, success is not always about how fast you reach your goals, but instead I invite you to think about how you overcome the obstacles along the way.

Carmen Paredes

International TEDx and Keynote Speaker | Leadership Transformation Consultant | Experienced Leader Driving Profits & Growth | 20+ years Creating High Performing Teams | Best Selling Author