fbpx

Tap into your Perseverance4 min read

As I was thinking of what word to represent the letter P with I was first thinking of writing about profits as in business it’s really all about the bottom line. However I chose another word in which I believe every business owner had to tap into at one time or another. In our endeavors of building a successful winning business, in my opinion Perseverance is that one key word that delivers the ingredient we need to succeed.

Take a walk back in time to explore history, feel free to go back as far as you like. When we think of some of the great successes of explorations, inventions as well as leaders, and companies – what word usually comes to mind – Perseverance is the word – In any great success or achievement – Perseverance was and is always in play.

Look back at some of our great leaders in the world where they faced grave challenges – it was always their Perseverance in taking the leadership role that got them and us through that difficult time. Think of all the great inventions that at one point were just an idea, thought or dream – it was Perseverance that made it happen.

Take recollection of some of your own challenges in life and business and recall what kind of Perseverance that you tapped into to get you through. Think of the marathoners, the triathletes, the mountain climbers – after months of training – it is always Perseverance that gets them to the finish line.

Realize that in every tough situation that you faced in the past – if you’re here now to read this – you got through it. With Perseverance you prevailed! With Perseverance you will prevail again when the next tough situations drops on your door step. If you want something bad enough and are clear on what exactly what you want – it is Perseverance that will get you there!

Examine the definition below – read all the Synonyms – take stock of how many of those words that you have defined in your own life. Take pride in knowing that you can tap into this ingredient any time you need it.

Perseverance: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

“His perseverance with the technique illustrates his single-mindedness”

Synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, indefatigability, steadfastness, patience, endurance, application, purposefulness, diligence, dedication, commitment, doggedness, tirelessness, stamina, Informal: stick-to-it-iveness

Probably the greatest example of perseverance is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn’t quit, look no further.

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.

He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country.

Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up. Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House:

  • 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
  • 1818 His mother died.
  • 1831 Failed in business.
  • 1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.
  • l832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
  • 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
  • 1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.
  • 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
  • 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
  • 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
  • 1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.
  • 1843 Ran for Congress – lost.
  • 1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.
  • 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.
  • 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.
  • 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.
  • 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes.
  • 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.
  • 1860 Elected president of the United States.

Understand that we all have this ingredient of Perseverance inside us, tap into it, get clear on your goals, chase after what you want and let it work for you.