Persistence

A river cuts through rock not because of its power but its persistence. –Jim Watkins

In life you have tried and tried harder most of the times, but the question is: did you try long enough in spite of having reasons to give up? That’s persistence according to me. It is when one continues his/her behavior, process and/or activity despite of factors that prompt not to. When an individual chooses to go on in spite of difficulties; it is persistence that gives them the power to do so. I like the term ‘perseverance’ alike.

Think of persistence as a process rather than one time investment. A process comes with different challenges, each of unique kind. By preferring to use the term ‘challenges’ instead of ‘problem’ makes it optimistic already. Knowing this may help that, going does becomes tough but to keep on going is what makes the final destinations beautiful when achieved. To keep on going can be seen in a rest that one takes to get up with more stamina and rise with confidence. Resting can be seen as an essential fuel in the journey. Hereafter when you feel like you are about to give up; I want you to take a moment and stay in the moment. Stay there! Breathe! Take rest in order to build yourself for the remaining journey. It is not stopping that ends a journey; but not starting again does. That act of starting again; is persistence too!

If your persistence has a base of passion, dedication and the striving has a personal meaning for you, then believe me; it does not sound like a task. You are in the process by yourself, you give your best and you believe that “what you seek is seeking you” as Rumi said it.

Setbacks? Surely there will be some. Minor, major, related, unrelated. Significant or not? Its up to you to decide! There’s this scientifically proven trick that you can try: change the meaning that you associate to the event. So, ‘Setback is a sign of failure’ OR ‘Setback is a sign of opportunity to improve’? You got it!

We sometimes chase wrong horses and so you will be delighted to know that you can choose to not stay persistent in wrong pursuits. Evaluate for yourself. Weigh the benefits and consequences. Ask yourself; do I really want this? Or its just because having it will get some pros, so I better have it? You may find yourself at a juncture where you realize that you don’t feel alive in staying persistent to the goal you are currently having; then that is where you take a turn to what is more lively for you!

Persistence has a shade of faith attached to it, or that’s how I would love to perceive it. Faith can be in self or in higher powers; both covered makes it an interesting combination. Trust me when I say this, faith gets us a long way. If you believe you can; you will find ways of making things possible and achieving your set goals. More importantly, you will enjoy the process of persistence.

Some see persistence as fact and some view it as act; here I have presented it as a process and journey. Remember one thing until the times last; when going gets tough, you tell yourself of where you have started and what you have endured. Remind yourself of the destinations that await you. Those reasons that were enough to get started can serve as a motivational force that can help you to keep going. Until, to go is what you want; you always have a road ahead. Here’s to the persistence!

Much love, J.