All About Persistence

I love James N. Watkins’ quote, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence” and “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but persistence” by Ovid because both of them embodies the real meaning of persistence.

Our lack of persistence is the main reason why we fail. Without it, we can never succeed in whatever it is we are trying to do. We may have the skills and knowledge, but if we do not take the small, daily action steps towards our goals, have persistence, we will never get what we want and aim for in our life.

Persistence is the key to success and achievement. In the Think and Grow Rich book by Napoleon Hill, he identified eight factors of persistence.

8 Factors of Persistence

1. Definiteness of Purpose. We can overcome anything if we have a strong purpose.
2.Desire, the strong desire to achieve the goal.
3. Self-Reliance
4. Definiteness of Plans. Clear and specific plans.
5. Accurate Knowledge. Having plans that are well thought of and orchestrated.
6. Cooperation
7. Willpower. Focusing thoughts towards plans for goal achievement.
8. Habit

Aside from the above eight factors of persistence, Napoleon Hill gave 16 symptoms for lack of persistence.

16 Symptoms of Lack of Persistence

1. Failure to recognize and clearly define exactly what one wants.
2. Procrastination
3. Lack of interest in acquiring knowledge to help support one’s goals
4. Indecision; avoiding issues, instead of facing and dealing with them
5. Not creating and finding solutions to problems
6. Self-Satisfaction
7. Indifference; compromising, rather than meeting with oppositions
8. Not taking personal responsibility; blaming others for one’s mistakes, and believing unfavorable circumstances to be unavoidable
9. Weakness of desire
10. Willingness and eagerness to quit at the first sigh n of defeat
11. Lack of organized plans
12. Neglecting to move on ideas or opportunities when they are presented
13. Merely wishing instead of taking action
14. Compromising with poverty; absence of ambition for personal ownership
15. Trying to create shortcuts to success; trying to receive without first giving
16. Fear of criticism, not taking action out of fear of what others will think, do, or say; this fear may reside in the subconscious, and therefore isn’t easily recognized

Napoleon Hill also identified four steps that lead to the habit of persistence.

4 Steps to Develop Persistence

1. Create a definite purpose, backed by a burning desire that will lead to its ultimate fulfillment
2. Create a definite plan, and carry that plan out through continuous and enthusiastic action
3. Close your mind tightly and unerringly against all negative and discouraging influences. This includes negative suggestions given to you by friends, family members, and acquaintances.
4. Build a friendly relationship with people who will continue to support your purpose, and who help you follow through to achieve your dreams and goals.

Follow these four steps all the time until it becomes automatic and a habit.

Persistence is Key

The Oxford Dictionary defines persistence as firm or obstinate continuance in the course of action despite difficulty or opposition. It is going through with our plans, taking another course of action if needed, come hell or high water.

It is our determined belief and relentless pursuit of set goals. It is our persistent aspiration and resolves against all the odds, no ifs, and or buts.

Source

Johnson, V.(2011). 13 Secrets of World Class Achievers. No Dream Too Big Publishing, Melrose, Fl