 | History is full of tales of men and women who gave up their dreams when success was just barely beyond their reach. They experienced failure after failure or encountered more daunting obstacles than they anticipated. Discouragement settled in, replacing the excitement and enthusiasm for the vision that once beat in their bosom. These are the men and women whose names we have forgotten. They rest among the average, the mediocre, the underachievers of the world. Frankly, that is company I would rather avoid. Success and achievement belongs to those who face their fears with a resolve not to back down. They see obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn. Discouragement is nothing more than an inner voice they have learned to silence. The idea of quitting – of giving up – is as unnatural to them as refusing to breathe. Victory belongs to the man or woman who knows what they intend to accomplish, how they will realize that goal and who exercise persistence in the pursuit of that objective. |
Practically speaking though, most of us are not programmed to persevere. To persist in the face of discouragement is a conscious decision we must make each and every day. But when you look at the masses, you quickly perceive how difficult this daily choice can be. Something inside most of us clamors for us to avoid pain and disappointment at all costs. We have been programmed to believe that few things in life are worth it if they involve an intense struggle. How terrible it is that we have been so easily deceived by this lie.
We can get by in this life while avoiding difficulties. But do you want to just “get by?” Or do you dream of something greater for yourself? Are you attracted to lofty ideals and believe that you can achieve far more than what others typically achieve? If you aspire to true greatness or dream dreams that are out of reach for most, you must persevere in the face of discouragement, failure, setbacks, or obstacles. You must not give up. You must not quit!
Finding the strength to persevere even in the most difficult of circumstances can be an overwhelming task if we attempt to face it alone. That is why there is great value in having a coach or mentor in our life. Having someone to walk alongside us to provide both external motivation and assist us in the development of our own internal motivation can be the difference between quitting and failure or persevering and success.
We can get by in this life while avoiding difficulties. But do you want to just “get by?” Or do you dream of something greater for yourself? Are you attracted to lofty ideals and believe that you can achieve far more than what others typically achieve? If you aspire to true greatness or dream dreams that are out of reach for most, you must persevere in the face of discouragement, failure, setbacks, or obstacles. You must not give up. You must not quit!
Finding the strength to persevere even in the most difficult of circumstances can be an overwhelming task if we attempt to face it alone. That is why there is great value in having a coach or mentor in our life. Having someone to walk alongside us to provide both external motivation and assist us in the development of our own internal motivation can be the difference between quitting and failure or persevering and success.
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