“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.”
Hank Aaron
Notable Quotes
"Nothing in the 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
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this, you haven’t.”
Thomas Edison
“Persistence is the key to solving most mysteries.”
Christopher Pike
“Persistence and determination are always rewarded.”
Christine Rice
Tips on How to Develop Persistence by Z. Hereford
• Decide what you want to accomplish and set goals. We all know how important setting goals is for achieving success in any endeavor, so take some time to figure out what it is you want.
• Prepare for Obstacles and Setbacks. Know and accept that there will be obstacles and setbacks; then prepare for them. Nothing important was every accomplished without adversity, setbacks and difficulties to contend with along the way.
• Take the first step. You cannot persevere; much less succeed, if you never try to accomplish something. So many of us procrastinate, fear failure or are too frozen in our tracks to take the first step towards achievement. As the popular saying goes, "The only real failure in life is the failure to try."
• Review, reevaluate and revise. If things do not work out the way you hoped then review the steps you took and the process you followed. Reevaluate by examining what went wrong and where. What didn't work? What could you have done better?
• Garner support and encouragement. Stay away from naysayers; instead seek advice from those experienced in your field of endeavor and those who want you to succeed.
• Maintain focus. One of the obstacles to attaining success is losing motivation and focus. A good way to maintain focus is to visualize yourself accomplishing your goal no matter what it takes.
• Enjoy! The greatest feelings of accomplishment derive from knowing you've overcome obstacles and conquered adversities to achieve your goals.
Additional Reading
The Art of Persistence - The Simple Secrets to Long-Term Success by R.L. Adams
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Point of Reflection
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
James N. Watkins