Persistence is a crucial component for achieving success in our endeavors. We all have setbacks in life; they are a normal part of living. When we fall down, it’s imperative that we get up, make adjustments to our thinking, and take the next step. The next move may involve making a minor adjustment or taking a slightly different path. It may require moving in a completely new direction.
When we aspire to do, be, or have something, persistence is an essential ingredient. Even small steps, maintaining a degree of momentum toward our goal make a difference, for as we do so, new opportunities present themselves – opportunities that would not have appeared had we not persevered.
If we give up on our dreams, there is no way to know how close we are to the pot of gold. It may have been just around the corner, after another miniscule correction on our course, or staying on the same path just a little longer.
I was recently watching a movie where a woman said:
“Don’t give up, because that could be the place where the tides turn and your fortunes change.”
From dictionary.com:
Persist: ~
- to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.: to persist in working for world peace; to persist in unpopular political activities.
- to last or endure tenaciously: The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.
- to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.
Whether it is a spiritual, financial, relationship or health goal, a key ingredient to our success is determination – persistence – especially when faced with obstacles on the path to our goal, or when it looks like our efforts are in vain. Overcoming an obstacle can be rather easy relative to the illusion of no gain from sincere efforts. It is disheartening when absolutely nothing appears to be manifesting from our labors. When we encounter a barrier, we have something to focus on and overcome. On the other hand, when there appears to be nothing happening, we don’t have any indication of success or failure. Under those circumstances, it is difficult to determine if we are making any progress.
An appropriate metaphor to consider is how the Chinese bamboo tree grows when nothing appears to be happening. This amazing tree does not even break ground for the first four years of its growth! However, during the fifth year a truly remarkable thing happens – in a mere five weeks it grows at an extremely rapid pace, reaching up to 90 feet (27.432 meters)! You read that right, up to 90 feet (27.432 meters) after four years (during which nothing appeared to be happening on the surface).
If diligently nourishing your “bamboo tree” with sincere effort and determination has provided no noticeable results, perhaps all you need is a break – a period of rest to regain your strength. It may be a good time to step back and rethink your approach, as you take a needed pause, to refresh and regain your enthusiasm. Yet another approach would be to do some lightweight research, reading about others who have accomplished what you are aiming for, or holding your goal in mind to maintain a modicum of momentum as you rest.
We have the capacity to ignore the illusion of appearances and manifest our dreams.
Be joyful, embrace life and thrive!
With love,
Randy