4 Useful Ways to Develop Persistence in Life

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Every talk on ‘success’ and ‘ways to achieve it’ begins with a story about persistence. The quality of Persistence is therefore a valued one and one of the key success habits.

According to Richard M. Devos (co-founder of Amway and the owner of the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team), if there were one trait that had to be associated with success, it would be persistence because success does not come at a cheap price.

No matter which profession or walk of life you belong to, determination and the will power to succeed are important prerequisites. While it may be easy to say that you are persistent or that persistence is a prominent quality in your personality, living by this claim often becomes hard at times when success seems miles away.

Think back to a time at work when you were discouraged by your superiors. Did you give up? Or did you try again with all your might?

Persistence is exactly what makes you get back up after a fall because it fuels your resolve and gives you renewed self-esteem. The following are 4 tried and trusted ways to build persistence in your life so that you not only achieve success, but also develop a personality that is enriched with purpose and determination.

There is story told in the video below that goes like this:

Four self-made millionaires (by the age of 30) were once asked how many failed businesses they had before they cracked it.

The averages was…..17!

They failed in 17 businesses before they became millionaires!

That is persistence!

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.                   Napoleon Hill

Persistence is achieved by…

1. Reading about successful people: Finding role models and learning about their personalities and life stories is a sure shot way to develop this trait in yourself. For instance, if Steve Jobs is your idol, read his story of success and the way he dealt with personal and social obstacles until Apple became a success.

2. Dealing with failure: No one said the journey to success was pain free. There will be times when you will fail and fall down. It is an inevitable given on the path to success. However, knowing that these times may come is the first step to become persistent and determined against them.

3. Expecting obstacles: One of the biggest reasons people stop believing in themselves and their dreams is the appearance of obstacles. However, always remember that overcoming these obstacles only makes you a stronger and better person. Don’t give up on your dream if Plan A didn’t work out, create a Plan B, C,D.

4. Handling Stress: Every time you feel stressed about the failure or achievement of a challenging goal, channelize the negative energy. Deal with it efficiently because positive stress will only help make room for persistence. Stress is the effect of your thinking and the meaning youi give those thoughts. Clear you head, go for a walk, reflect, focus on some fresh thoughts and get back in the game.

Brian Tracy – Persistence, Entrepreneurs, & Millionaires

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.