Persistence
Persistence
Persistence is the ability to keep working towards a goal; in spite of setbacks, defeats and difficulties. It is the art of keeping on, keeping on.
Any goal of any significance is not easy to achieve, you will be faced with a steady stream of setbacks, difficulties and defeats. That is not being negative, that is simply the way the world works.
The world does not simply hand-over the things you want, you will instead have to work for them. You will need persistence because it takes time to achieve major goals.
How to be persistent
Persistence is a state of mind that can be developed over time. If you want to develop more persistence, then take the following three steps.
1. Keep your mind fixed on the long range goal
When things are going wrong, it is easy to be swept away by the troubles and tribulations of the hour.
But that is a great way to dis-inspire yourself. Instead of focusing one hundred percent on the troubles of the immediate moment, you need to keep your mind fixed on the future, and think about the finished product, and how great it will feel when you finally do achieve the object of your goal.
Remember that all motivation is derived from the motive. And the motive is the goal. If you lose sight of the motive, or goal, then your motivation will wane and you will not be able to continue.
You will feel the power of persistence if you fix your focus on the future.
2. Surround yourself with positive people
Some people can crush your confidence and punch a hole through your persistence. Other people will fortify your mind and power your persistence. If you want to increase your levels of persistence, then you need to be more cautious of the company you keep.
Keep away from the naysayers. The naysayers are the people who use every setback or defeat to justify the belief that you have no chance of success and should give up now and stop deluding yourself.
When something bad happens, the naysayers say, "See? I told you it was a stupid idea. This is never going to work. Let's pack-up now and go home."
Keep away from the naysayers and keep close to the Positive People, those who talk differently. When something bad happens, the positive people will say things like, "Even though we have suffered a setback, we can still win, if we use this failure to improve our next plan of action. We need to learn the lessons of our defeat, and keep moving forwards."
3. Look after your physical body
When things are going badly, it is easy to mess up your diet and sleep patterns. This is a common mistake. When things are going badly it is important to:
- Eat well.
- Go to bed early.
- Not drink much alcohol.
- Exercise a little.
Remember that persistence is a mental state, and it therefore needs a steady supply of mental energy; and mental energy needs proper food, proper sleep and proper exercise.
Many people who lack persistence simply don't have the energy to feel persistent. You will find that many people who lack energy; eat badly, don't sleep soundly; don't exercise much and tend to drink too much. Persistence is a mental state and needs a steady supply of energy.
Points to ponder
- Remember that Champions don't always triumph: Sometimes, being a champion means having the silent conviction that you will return again tomorrow; armed with a better plan.
- Champions are prepared to persist against heavy resistance.
- Persistence is the determination simply, never to give in.
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Definition: persistence
In business, persistence is a mental skill. You keep acting on a clear plan towards your long-term aim, even when problems knock you back. You learn from each setback, adjust, and try again. You hold the goal in mind and stay active until you win or the aim is no longer possible.
Show CG4D Definition
- Keeps planned action towards a clear aim
- Stays active after setbacks and defeats
- Holds the long-term motive in mind
- Lasts until the aim is won or clearly out of reach
Article Summary
Persistence is not luck or stubborn pride; you build it by fixing your mind on the long goal, keeping close to positive people, and caring for your body so your energy stays high, turning each setback into fresh learning that drives you forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is persistence in simple words?
Why does persistence help me reach long-term goals?
How can I stay motivated when I face repeated setbacks?
Do positive people really influence my persistence?
Which daily habits build mental stamina for persistence?
How does good sleep affect my ability to be persistent?
How can I rebuild persistence after a big defeat?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 report shows that staff who say they have strong support from their manager are 21% more likely to keep working on tough tasks after a setback. The 2024 Health Survey for England finds that adults who meet the NHS target of 150 minutes of weekly exercise report 29% higher energy levels, a key factor in staying persistent, than those who are inactive.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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