Persistence is one of the most admirable characteristics you can have. It will take you places you never dream you would go. It also determines the successful from the unsuccessful.
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in”–Bill Bradley
I have developed the character of persistence in my life. I have gone from Assistant Manager of a grocery store to Cybersecurity Analyst. I went through unexplained infertility to a daughter. I will try and try until I obtain the goal.
I have changed my life so many times through the heartaches, persistence, and successful outcomes. If you want to have greater success, I invite you to continue to develop persistence in your life, and here are six ways to help you.
1. Have a vision bigger than yourself
Having a big vision means living for a purpose that goes beyond yourself, which is hard to do. You might find it difficult because we live in a society where isolation is considered the norm. But when obstacles occur, it will be difficult to continue if you don’t have the big picture vision.
However, with a bigger vision, you will have more pressure to complete the goal because others are depending on you, the pressure of accountability alone will push you further than a purpose that is self-centered.
For example, I learned how to cook Ghanaian food because my husband is from Ghana, so it meant a lot to me to be able to cook him food from his home country which enabled us to have deeper connection. I was able to push through because I want our relationship to develop and grow.
2. Have a growth mindset
Persistence is a part of growth mindset. If you have a growth mindset, you believe that learning, effort, and persistence enables you to develop your abilities and intelligence. Carol Dweck did a study on mindset and it was concluded after 20 years of research that we either have fixed mindset and intelligence is static (i.e. avoid challenges, give up easy, or feel threatened by the success of others) or a growth mindset and intelligence is developed (i.e. embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as the path to mastery).
In other words, you should embrace your small wins and progress knowing you are improving, and you will soon have the success you are desiring.
3. Develop discipline and habits
Discipline is the only true vehicle for genuine progress. You might think of discipline in a negative manner because many times it’s used to train you to obey a rule or correct behavior. So, one might shy away from discipline and habits setting in adulthood.
Meanwhile, self-discipline is the key to success it’s the single most important attribute to your success. You can build momentum with discipline by following the same steps each day.
Don’t over complicate your tasks and be kind to yourself. For example, if you want to save $1000 dollars in 180 days. You can easily save $40 dollars a week to meet this goal. In addition, look for things you can cut from your budget each week to reach this goal.
4. Have clarity in what you want
Getting clear on what you want is essential in succeeding in life. Once you have your goals in place, knowing what the end looks like will give you the needed drive to succeed. Clarity can begin to create the roadmap to success and create the steps you need to make it happen. When you know where you want to end up, you’ll easily figure out which direction to go.
For example, if you are not sure what career you should do you can begin to research your top two you have in mind. Then find time to slow down and relax and begin to think about your two choices and begin to listen to what you are telling yourself. A lot of times you lack clarity because there are too many distractions going on.
5. Determine your motives
Intentions are important when you have set out to accomplish a goal. It will take persistence to accomplish the goal along with what motivates you. Motivation is an important skill that will help you work towards your dreams which ultimately becomes your reality. Without motivation, you would not be able to achieve anything you desire. Motivation can come in the form of your “why” or it can be knowing the steps you need to take each day to get to where you want to go. Motivation will help you clarify goals, set priorities in life, and teach you perseverance.
6. Stay positive
Positivity is a choice. You can either be happy and optimistic in the situation or you can be miserable and pessimistic; the choice is yours. People refer to me as happy and sunshine. I am always happy and smiling. I have been told I brighten the room. This is clearly a choice I chose daily. I wake up and determine that today I will be happy and then when things go array, as they will, I quickly remind myself that I am choosing positivity no matter what.
Most people will stop before they reach their goals.
You create goals daily today like, I will go back to school, I am going to lose 10 pounds before summer so I can wear that bikini on the beach, or I am tired of working here, I am going to start my own business. Then when obstacles come as they do, if you don’t become persistent in chasing that goal, you will give up.
I want to encourage you to never stop being persistent and overcome that goal to become the success you are designed to be.
