As long as you persist, you can’t fail! 

Consider these benefits of persistence: 

1. You’ll become an expert. Chances are that the first time you try something you might not be good at it. However, once you’ve completed the same task multiple times, you’ll soon become better and better, becoming an expert at the task in the process. 

2. Persistence will motivate you to try harder. When you try and try, you’ll move a little closer to your goal with each attempt. This will help motivate you as it will show that this effort makes a difference. 

3. Persistence is a sign of ambition. Only those who are truly ambitious are able to bring persistence into their daily lives. This is why the most successful people you know are also those who are most persistent. 

• Most successful people have failed at least once, but this did not stop them from achieving success. With each failure, they learned what they needed to do differently the next time they tried. 
• Eventually, they succeeded, which would never have happened had they become discouraged at the first sign of failure. 

4. You’ll set a good example. Whether you’re setting an example for your work colleagues or your children, if they see that you’re not willing to give up when you face adversity, they’ll be more inclined to try harder at their own challenges. 

• Become a role model and those around you will become more consistent and hard-working too. 

5. Persistence teaches you the value of success. Being successful takes time and effort. No one ever became successful without making sacrifices and being persistent with their time and efforts. 

6. Persistence gives you vital experience.When you’re persistent, you learn that each failure gives you another opportunity to learn. With each failure, you’ll become more resilient. You’ll also learn how you can overcome any challenge. 

7. You become more aware of your weaknesses. To achieve success at anything, it’s important to understand your weaknesses. When you look at your failures, you’ll discover your faults and learn what you need to work on to become successful. 

8. People judge you on your consistency. When you’re persistent, you also develop consistency. Many people look for this skill, whether in the workplace or in your personal life. They want to know that you’ll work hard to do what needs to be done on a regular basis. 

9. You’ll learn that things that come easy bring little reward. Harder tasks may require a little work and consistency, but they offer much greater rewards. Is it not worth making that little extra effort to achieve greater rewards? 

10. Most importantly, you’ll be able to create the life you desire. With persistence, you’ll be able to sail through life’s setbacks. You’ll seek solutions to overcome your challenges and keep moving forward to build a life that satisfies you. 

Persistence is important, as rarely anything worth having in life comes without it. Most often, you’ll have to work for what you want. 

Being persistent will give you the opportunity to achieve anything you set your heart on! 

The post Top 10 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Practice Persistence appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

I remember my motivation. I think about the purpose behind my activities. When I am committed to a project, I want to make the most of my abilities. 

I keep things in perspective. I stay on track regardless of how I am feeling. 

I welcome setbacks as an opportunity to learn. I make good use of each experience. I evaluate my progress and adjust my plans as needed. 

I think about how my actions affect others. I am reliable. I show others that they can trust me not to quit when the going gets rough. 

I search for inspiration. I watch how my personal role models refuse to give up. I read about historical figures who accomplished great things because of their determination. I tell myself that if they can do it, so can I. 

I encourage myself with positive self-talk. 

I take some time off. I can travel further if I rest when I am tired. A strategic break helps me to return to my tasks with more energy and enthusiasm. 

Today, I keep on trying. I do what it takes to reach my goals. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. What is the relationship between success and perseverance?
   
2. How does my faith help me to persevere?
   
3. What is one important thing I would have missed out on if I quit too soon?
   

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We admire people that never seem to give up. Yet, most of us realize that we give up far too quickly. It’s not something we’re proud of, and it’s obvious how much more we could have accomplished with a little more determination. Most people fail to understand why they give up quickly, but perseverance is a skill that can be cultivated. 

The first step is to gain some insight into why you give up before you succeed. Consider these reasons: 

1. We care too much about the opinions of others. This is a bad habit we learn at a young age. It doesn’t take too long in Kindergarten to quickly realize that others judge us, and sometimes, quite harshly. In time, many of us grow out of this to some extent, but it still lingers in most. 

• The fact is that few people care one way or the other. You might as well just do your thing and avoid worrying about what others might think. 

2. We don’t know how to use failure properly. Failure is part of the process of succeeding. You’ll rarely figure out the best way to do something on your first effort. Failure is just an undesired result. It says nothing about you. Just learn and try again. 

3. We don’t care enough. Sometimes we bite off more than our motivation can conquer. The solution is to choose wisely. Avoid taking on goals and projects that aren’t exciting to you. Your time is precious. 

4. We’re too outcome-oriented. It’s important that the process be enjoyed as much as possible. There really aren’t that many things that are worth suffering for years to attain. Is it worth winning a gold medal if you hated every minute of your life for 10 years? Find a goal that you can enjoy working on. 

5. We lack self-confidence. When we expect to fail, we won’t even get started. What would be the point? Building self-confidence will allow you to be more successful by permitting you to try in the first place. With low self-confidence, you’ll give up quickly. 

6. We lack self-esteem. Sometimes, we don’t think we deserve to be successful. So, we find ways to sabotage ourselves and excuses to quit. Believe that you deserve what you’re trying to achieve, and you’ll last longer in your pursuit of it. 

7. We like our distractions too much. Eating salad isn’t as much fun as eating French fries. Practicing piano isn’t as much fun as watching Game of Thrones. Distraction can be progress killers. Set aside time to indulge in your distractions after your work is done. 

8. We lack responsibility. It’s easy to blame others for our setbacks. It’s necessary to own your life, your failures, and your successes. No one is coming on a white horse to rescue you or to do the work for you. The ball is in your court. 

9. We have bad habits. Bad habits are well-ingrained distractions. They steal our attention and time. They can even be harmful. Quitting when things get tough can be a habit. Think about your habits and determine which make you more likely to give up. 

Why do you give up? Once you can answer that question accurately, you can create a plan to overcome it. 

There are few obstacles that can withstand someone with enough persistence. You don’t have to be born with this gift. It can be developed. Just think about how different your life would be if you never gave up! You can still create that life. 

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Instead of wishing for my life to become easier, I wish for the courage to see things through. I believe in the power of perseverance.I keep working toward my goals until I fulfill my dreams. 

I overcome obstacles. Challenges make me try harder. Tackling a complex project helps me to become wiser and more skillful. 

I adapt to changing circumstances. If my initial strategy becomes outdated, I develop alternative approaches. If I am starting to feel stale in my current job, I seek new opportunities. 

I learn from my mistakes. I can turn any experience to my advantage if I am willing to learn and grow. Disappointments turn into victories when I hold fast. 

I renew my motivation. I remember my purpose for joining a gym or signing up for a training program at work. I focus on the end results. I create intermediate goals that give me a sense of accomplishment along the way. 

I remain upbeat. A cheerful attitude lightens my load. My tasks become a game that I want to keep playing instead of a burden that I want to avoid. 

I update my objectives. My definition of success evolves along with my abilities and ambitions. I reach higher each day. 

Today, I put forth maximum effort and go the distance. I know that I am strong enough to succeed. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. What does perseverance mean to me?
   
2. What is one movie or book that inspires me to press on?
   
3. Why is it important for me to keep going until I fulfill my commitments?
   

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When I feel uninspired by my work, I remind myself that my work is important. That reminder puts me back at a place to achieve my goals.

I encourage myself to keep working by identifying a daily reward. Knowing that I have a treat coming my way gives me the drive to keep working. I believe wholeheartedly in rewards for performance.

Sometimes, my studies seem overwhelming and watching television is more appealing. But I reassure myself that uninterrupted leisure time is mine whenever I complete my studies.

At the end of the day, when my tasks are complete, it is a good feeling to both achieve a goal and have a reward. My rewards come in various forms because

many different things make me happy. When the rewards are meaningful enough, I am motivated to work towards them.

Using a system of rewards allows me to develop good habits over time. When I build a rhythm, it is easy to continue even without the added motivation of a reward.

Today, my achievements are worth the effort because I reward myself. I continue to believe that positive gestures encourage me to work hard, smart, and quickly.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How easily do I adjust to being diligent without the added motivation of rewards?

2. What other attributes can I develop by using a system of rewards?

3. Which activities serve as their own reward just by completing them?

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I carry my plans through to completion. Perseverance helps me to accomplish more. My self-confidence grows and my life becomes more satisfying.

I plan ahead. I know that I may run into obstacles and delays, so I figure out constructive responses.

I renew my motivation. If I start to feel bored or doubtful, I remember the purpose behind my activities. Cleaning the bathroom becomes less tedious when I think about creating a safe and pleasant environment for my family and guests.

I monitor my self-talk. I give myself credit for making an effort instead of worrying about being perfect or looking foolish. I pay attention to what I have to gain instead of what I may lose. I view myself in a realistic and positive light that fills me with hope and energy.

I reach out to others for guidance and assistance. The support of my family and friends lifts me up when I am feeling overwhelmed.

I take care of my body and mind. I exercise and eat a nutritious diet. I relieve stress safely with meditation and soft music. Staying strong and fit gives me the power to endure.

I build up my resilience. I know that I am capable and flexible. Managing my emotions and maintaining a positive attitude help me to adapt when my boss changes the rules or my children cut their own hair.

Today, I commit to finishing what I start. If I fall, I get back up on my feet again. I do what it takes to succeed.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Why is perseverance so rewarding?

2. What is the relationship between passion and perseverance?

3. What are 3 things that keep me going when times are tough?

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Would you rather be talented or be tough? It’s an interesting question. The athletes and actors we see on TV seem to have a lot of talent, and many of them do. But having the resolve to continue under any circumstance can be much more valuable and can be applied to all areas of life. In other words, your athletic ability won’t do anything to help your scholastic efforts.

Talent has advantages, but is overrated:

1. Talent can make the journey easier. If you have talent for a particular area, such as music, you’ll have an easier time making progress. The journey is smoother and faster.

2. Talent is insufficient. Talent doesn’t eliminate the need for practice. Talent without practice is no more valuable than not having the talent in the first place. The athletes you see on TV have both talent and years of intense practice.

3. Talent isn’t a choice. You can’t choose to have a particular talent. You either have it or you don’t. Ideally, your interests and talents are in alignment.

4. Talent is only necessary at the highest levels. Can you be the world’s greatest pianist or golfer without talent? No. But you can make a good living playing the piano or playing golf without much talent provided you work hard enough and long enough.

There’s nothing wrong with being talented. The more talent, the better. But talent isn’t enough to ensure success. It only determines the extreme upper limits of your success. It also makes progress easier and faster.

Grit can be enough to ensure success in all areas of life:

1. Grit is enough to achieve 99% of your goals. Forget about talent. If you have the ability to persist and maintain a positive attitude, you can be successful at almost anything.

2. Anyone can have grit. Grit is the result of a certain way of thinking and viewing the world. You can choose your beliefs and your thoughts. Therefore, you can have grit. Start today. Make yourself do something that you don’t want to do, like clean out your desk or purge your unneeded emails. Be tough and get it done.

3. Grit begets grit. Developing grit is like building your biceps. Your ability to demonstrate resolve grows with practice. Make yourself do something each day that’s unappealing.

4. Grit is calming. That might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. When you have determination, you don’t have any choices to make. You simply keep moving forward. Constant self-questioning is stressful and exhausting. When you only have a single choice, life is simpler. Having too many choices creates anxiety.

Grit is among the most important attributes to possess. Grit can overcome a lack of talent in most situations. Unless you need to be in the top 0.25% of something, talent is irrelevant. It only makes the journey a little easier.

Grit versus talent, which is better? The amount of grit you possess is more relevant than the amount of talent you possess. Talent is nice to have. It’s like having a sports car instead of a new economy sedan. Both will take you to the same place. One just takes longer.

But all the talent in the world is useless if it isn’t applied diligently. The ability to persist during any challenge is the key to long-term success. Take control of your beliefs on success and your perspective on life. Believe that persistence is more important than talent. Hopefully, you have some of both. If you can only have one, grit is more useful.

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The most successful people have an uncanny ability to keep going when everyone else would quit.Your success is tied to your ability to keep working after you have the urge to quit. Quitting is a bad habit, and it’s often learned at a young age. Learn how to continue making progress no matter how strong the urge to quit grows.

Consider the reasons you feel like quitting in the first place:

1. You lack energy. A lack of energy isn’t just a reason one might quit a marathon. It’s also a common reason for quitting other pursuits. Exhaustion can be physical or mental. To help counteract your exhaustion:

• Get a full night of sleep.
• Get better control over your schedule.
• Streamline your life.
• Eat more nutritious foods.
• Learn how to relax.

2. You lack focus. Too many distractions can result in the desire to quit. Are you trying to accomplish too many other things? Some people can deal with more goals than others. If you feel overwhelmed, narrow your focus to your most important goals.

3. It’s not that important to you. Do you have a good enough reason to keep going? Why are you doing this activity in the first place?

• Remind yourself of why it’s important to keep going. Maybe the best motivation you can find is setting a good example for your children. Maybe the most important issue is self-respect. Find a good reason to continue.

Understand the reasons you feel the desire to quit. It’s natural to want to quit. And most people do. Will you be one of the few that’s able to persevere? It’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other until you’re finished.

Persevere when you want to quit:

1. Revisit your original purpose. Is that motivation enough? If it’s not, you’ll need to find a new reason. If you can’t think of one, that might be a sign that you should be doing something else. But don’t give up too quickly. Look deeply. You’ll almost certainly find a compelling reason to continue.

2. Create small successes. Nothing is more motivating than success. Set yourself up for regular success by setting easy goals that move you forward. These baby steps can result in the momentum you need to carry you to the finish line. Just focus on the immediate task and forget about the rest.

3. Focus on the endpoint. The path might not be enjoyable, but the end result should be. Keep your eye on how great you’ll feel when you’ve reached the end. By focusing on the endpoint, you can maintain your motivation more easily. Visualize your ideal endpoint twice each day.

4. Stay on schedule. Once your motivation begins to wane, it’s easy to lose track of your goal. Other activities seem to take over your schedule and it becomes easier to procrastinate. So, make a schedule that will ensure you stay engaged. Make time so you don’t have an excuse to quit.

5. Ask yourself how you’ll feel if you allow yourself to quit. Quitting sounds good in the short-term, but we usually regret it later on. How will you feel in a week, month, or year from today if you let yourself quit?

Learn to keep going, no matter how strong the desire to quit grows. This is the best indicator of your ability to be successful. You will eventually succeed if you can continue moving toward your goal. You don’t have to quit just because you feel the urge to stop.

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Whether it’s a bad job or a horrible diet, there are times we all consider quitting. Quitting isn’t always a bad choice. We’ve been taught to believe that quitting is synonymous with failure, but some activities or relationships aren’t worth continuing. It’s important to arrive at a decision to quit or continue consciously, rather than making a reflexive decision.

Avoid quitting prematurely:

1. Hit the pause button. Most poor decisions could be avoided by taking a short pause. When you’re stressed, overworked, overtired, and fed-up, rash decisions become the norm. Give yourself the time you need to make a wise decision. Allow your head to clear before you make a decision that changes your life. Most decisions can wait.

2. View the situation objectively. Try to be objective and weigh the situation carefully. Enlist the help of a friend if necessary. It can be easier to evaluate someone else’s situation accurately than your own.

3. Consider the worst-case scenario. Think long-term. Quitting is an easy choice when you only consider the short-term ramifications. You can relieve your stress almost immediately! However, what are the long-term consequences? If you quit your job, what will happen if you can’t find another one?

• Reconsider quitting if the long-term consequences are too severe. A little relief now isn’t worth long-term pain.
• Who will be impacted by your quitting? Your boss? Coworkers? Family? The members of your church softball team? Who is affected?
• What message are you sending to your children? What would you recommend to a child in a similar circumstance? Your children are always watching. Be sure to set a good example.

4. Ask yourself if a new approach is warranted. Maybe you shouldn’t quit. Maybe you need a new plan. Not getting the results you desire isn’t necessarily a sign that you should call it quits. Poor results indicate an ineffective process. Perhaps all you need is a tweak to your approach. Major accomplishments are accompanied by numerous failed attempts.

5. Ask yourself why you’re considering quitting. Is it because you don’t believe you can be successful? You don’t have the resources you require? Do you not enjoy the job, activity, or relationship in question? Are you lacking the necessary time?

• Some reasons for quitting are better than others. Quitting a second job you don’t need so you can spend more time with your children is a good reason to quit. Ending your marriage because your spouse won’t pick up his dirty socks might be a bit extreme.
• Is there another solution besides quitting?

6. Consider the times you’ve given up in the past. How do you feel about those events today? Was quitting a good idea or do you regret it? How are you likely to feel in the future about quitting in your current situation?

7. Sometimes it’s necessary to lower your head and keep going. There are times when quitting is the best choice. However, when it’s not the best choice, it’s necessary to be strong and keep going. Stick with that horrible job until you have something else lined up. Give counselling a try before quitting on another relationship.

• If your default coping mechanism is quitting, you’ll never accomplish anything.

Take a moment before making a hasty decision. Quitting isn’t to be taken lightly.

Before making the decision to quit, consider the consequences, consult with a trusted friend, and consider your history. In some instances, quitting is final. Avoid creating long-term challenges to alleviate stress in the short-term. Give yourself the time you require to make a wise decision.

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