PERSISTENCE

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

PERSISTENCE

Please understand here that what I am sharing here with you can be found in Chapter 9 of THINK AND GROW RICH which is a 1937 motivational personal development and self-help book by Napoleon Hill. While the title implies that this book deals with how to get rich, the author explains that the philosophy taught in the book can be used to help people succeed in all lines of work and to do or be almost anything they want. This is every bit as valuable today as it was back then.

How would you define PERSISTENCE? I just went out on the internet to look up the meaning of the term and believe I have never seen a word that relied on so many definitions of other words in order to make a clear understanding of its own definition. But I couldn’t give up so I will use or apply my own PERSISTENCE in this manner so I can share a better meaning with you.

What I did find without going into specific categories is that PERSISTENCE is a matter of continuing without change in whatever function you are focused on. Said another way it is refusing to give up or to let go.

But why do we employ it? Primarily because it pays off when you are truly committed to a purpose.

PERSISTENCE

PERSISTENCE breaks down resistance. But let’s go back to the function I mentioned further back. There are two distinct functions that must be adhered to if you are going to maximize the benefits of what you are doing or seeking.

A DEFINITE GOAL and a DEFINITE PLAN are the components that are essential to PERSISTENCE and ultimately to your success. For clarity’s sakes I also want to be sure you understand the distinction between a goal and a strategy. A goal is the ultimate purpose or output of one’s efforts. Strategies are plans associated with the pursuit of those efforts. Multiple goals may in fact be a part of the DEFINITE PLAN you are intent upon developing.

If that makes sense to you then we can truly appreciate the fact that we indeed have a new definition that may very well help us and that is: PERSISTENCE = a DEFINITE GOAL divided by a DEFINITE PLAN.

PERSISTENCE

Let’s face another reality, and that is that PERSISTENCE breaks down resistance. Obviously the only way that truly works is when one adheres to its true meaning. PERSISTENCE must become a known tool and habit of one’s mind whenever they are confronted with a challenge. Amazingly enough studies and research reveal that the sheer numbers regarding success would indicate most of us give up rather than relying on our own PERSISTENCE.

Where To Go From Here

That depends entirely upon you. Especially since it is rather obvious we don’t all have the same criteria or purpose in life. Here is a quote from this chapter in THINK AND GROW RICH, that offers you an added perspective on how you can turn your life around.

“The ease with which lack of persistence may be conquered will depend entirely upon the INTENSITY OF ONE’S DESIRE.

The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat. If you find yourself lacking in persistence, this weakness may be remedied by building a stronger fire under your desires.”