“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but its persistence.”
I found this quote a while back and felt that it really was a perfect definition of perseverance. Perseverance means sticking to something despite what comes your way, no matter how difficult. Business, especially entrepreneurship, will go a long way in helping you develop this character trait if you don’t have it yet.
You must stick to your vision even when others can’t see it. Motivate yourself regularly. Create a YES! list. A YES! list is a list that provokes a “Yes!” at the end of each sentence. Revisit your list regularly, particularly in those moments when you are your only cheerleader. My YES! list includes all the reasons why I’m undertaking any project.
I know someone who owns a local store who is the personification of perseverance. When she opened her doors, she had very little merchandise. She later received products from two local artisans. Her stock continued to increase slowly. Now her store is lined with products and thriving. She had a vision and stuck with it until she created a physical representation of that vision. She did it all with little capital, while working a second job and raising her two young children.
Keep reaching. Keep stretching. Keep trying new angles. Keep moving towards your vision. When the challenges arise, tell yourself, as Les Brown puts it, “I don’t have bad days, I have character building days.”
Perseverance is really a lifestyle. It takes a deep sense of purpose to remain steadily determined and focused. You have what it takes.Stick to it, success is imminent!
