The Power and Importance of Persistence
I have three things going on in my life that require me to be extremely persistent. Two are uplifting and will have a very positive impact on my life if I do persist. One is just an ugly matter that I would have never imagined would have occurred but I have to deal with nonetheless.
In speaking with a close friend, he reminded me of a quote from Winston Churchill, “Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Powerful words! In my “ugly matter” I really took a hard look in the mirror to make sure I was applying good sense and that I was being honorable in the process. This led to speaking with my friend again. It is important to speak with people who you can trust to tell you when you are wrong or need to improve something. If the people you seek counsel from will only tell you what you want to hear, what good is their counsel?
After being convinced that my thinking was sensible and honorable, in order to perceiver, I had to make up my mind that I would persist in the matter and that I will not give up regardless of the time involved on the enormity of the task.
At first, it felt like a burden, but then I read Tony Dungy’s new book, “Quiet Strength”. Tony’s book is an amazing story of perseverance and sticking to what you know is right to do. One of the important lessons I took away from the book is that applying persistence to an honorable fight will result in being a stronger person and afford you the opportunity to learn and gain wisdom through the battle.
One of the first things I gained from this process was the ability to put it aside and out of my mind when I’m in between activities that I can do/must do in the process. Worrying and replaying the matter in your mind again and again will only sap your strength, cause you anxiety and cloud your thinking. It ain’t easy to do! But vital to endurance and long term perseverance. Plus you have to live your life in all of the other areas of your life.
So with all of that in mind, I am going to persistently and doggedly follow Winston Churchill’s advice.
