Persistence

I think we place too little worth on the value of persistence. I once read that only 20% of sales are made on the first call, yet 80% of sales people don’t call again or never go back. Yet most sales are made on the 4th or 5th attempt. I would venture a guess that most worthwhile things in life don’t happen the first, second or even third time we make the attempt. How many times did you fall (fail) before you learned to walk or ride a bicycle? Is this indicative of how we are living, if something isn’t fast or easy we move on? Many times things that are too easy are not fulfilling, and leave us with an empty feeling, much like after eating Chinese food. Are too many of us settling for less? Are you settling? It is the energy in the journey of achieving that creates the most excitement and fulfillment? Skip assumptions like you aren’t smart enough, talented enough, educated enough or don’t have the right_________ (you fill in the blank) to accomplish what we want in life…because you can.

About 25 years ago, I came across the following quotation by Calvin Coolidge. It resonated with me immediately and I thought, “That’s it, that is truly what it takes...I can do that." I have on many occasions fallen back on or had to remind myself of the power of persistence. You can too.

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men and women with talent. Genius will not; un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. ~Calvin Coolidge

Hope you find as much encouragement from President Coolidge's words as I have. Keep reminding yourself…Persist…Persist…Persist. You will Find A Way.

~ Dennis