BE DETERMINED, THEN PERSIST

Determination and persistence are common traits of those who are successful. Very few traits are more important than determination and persistence. Calvin Coolidge wisely said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius is not; unrewarded 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.”

Talent alone will not take you to where you want to be. You must be determined to put in the work. You must be determined to finish what you started. We must realize there are, and always will be, difficulties along the way. We must realize the journey will seldom be easy. We need to be determined, and sometimes stubborn, about finishing what we’ve started. We must never quit.

Genius is great to have, but it is worth nothing if it isn’t being used. Do you know someone who is extraordinarily smart or talented, but doesn’t use these gifts? It is a shame. I am not the smartest or most talented, but I am disciplined. I am persistent. I am dedicated to my goals and my dreams. Are you? Are you determined to become successful? Are you sick of being average? Are you fed up with the fact that you might not be where you want to be? How will you live the life of your dreams? What steps will you take to move in the direction of your dreams? How will you persist along the way?

Those who have the most education aren’t always those who are the most successful. A degree isn’t a requisite for success; determination and persistence are. People fall into the trap of thinking their education will get them a job. Approximately 90,000 people graduate a year with a college degree. What makes you different? Employers aren’t looking for only a degree; they are looking for determination and persistence. What can you do today to show them that you are determined and that you persist?

I hope you develop a fierce determination for life. I hope you never give up. We give up when our determination falters. Nobody gives up when they are fully committed and determined. Hold tight your determination. Embrace your excitement for your goals and your dreams. I hope you persist through the tough moments in your life. Realize that nobody is out to get you. Difficult situations happen to everybody. Simply remember the more difficulty we face, the more chances we have to grow. Be determined to hit the goals and live the dreams of your life. When difficulty shows its ugly face, persist with a purpose. Those who give up lose their determination, or their willingness to persist, or both. Embrace the difficulty. Hold tight to your determination. Learn to persist. These qualities will bring you to the land of your dreams.