Persistence is a Process that Can be Learned

Look up. See that light bulb? Let this single light bulb teach you one of the greatest lessons in life.

You've certainly heard of Thomas Edison. He invented the incandescent bulb, amongst other rather remarkable things.

In fact, if it weren't for his invention, you might still be struggling with candles and kerosene to light your home. Because Edison persisted, the whole world is enjoying the fruits of his efforts.

We often get a picture in our mind of someone sweating, straining, sacrificing, and suffering inumerablle failures in isolation in order to finally succeed. But this is what I refer to as a 'negative romanticization'. Making something almost sophmorically dramatic to make a point. This is not how persistence works.

Edison looked at failure as something he would surely and confidently overcome. To be able to gain such confidence, let us examine this animal called "persistence."

Persistence is a process, not a personal quality or mindset. And it rarely occurs in isolation. It usually goes like this. Idea... Input... Action... Evaluation... Input... Refinemment... Plan... Action.

Repeat as needed.

In the face of obstacles, choose persistence. Persist even when things go wrong. Do not turn back upon hitting an obstacle. This means developing creative solutions to go over, under, around and through obstacles and set backs.

It is said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing while expecting different results. Expect the same results from the same equation. Persistence means ensuring success by changing strategy while in the middle of the game. Persistence means not giving up, as well as learning from your mistakes.

Going beyond this definition, failure can be interpreted as an impending sign of success. Napoleon Hill commented that too many failed because they stopped when they were just one step away from that final ingredient that would lead to success.

Finally, "Never, ever, ever, ever, quit!" If you feel like giving up, look at that single light bulb, wrap your head aroud it, and make it your guide and inspiration.