Is persistence truly the key to success?

Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
– Bill Bradley

We know from history that Thomas Edison tried and failed over 10,000 times in a quest to light up the world. At no point, he considered himself as a failure. He, like any successful person, saw failure as a learning opportunity. Every failed attempt was a chance to learn from the outcomes, and apply that learning. If anyone were the poster child for persistence, it would be Thomas Edison. Persistence can be defined as the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people. 

Persistence is a virtue

Of every virtue or value that we possess, persistence is a key ingredient that features consistently in those who succeed, regardless of what they succeed at.

We understand how top athletes persist, they keep their bodies in shape, growing in strength, and they push their boundaries of endurance in a bid to set new records. It isn’t just apparent in athletes, though, you can see it everywhere you look. In fact, it’s likely that you see it in your work world every day, you have just forgotten its value.

We can find ourselves easily demotivated especially when constantly striving for something that never works out. This becomes more difficult when you merge the personalities that you work with.

If you observe someone who is passionate about what they do, someone who achieves the goals they have set for themselves, then you are observing a person who is persistent. They’re a realist who understands that life doesn’t always go the way you want it to the first time. It isn’t a 100-meter dash but a marathon. 

Persistence and Optimism

Persistent people understand that not everything will work out well, but they are persistent, and react optimistically. Persistence and optimism act as a constant companion to each other. When life is at its toughest points, persistence is fueled with optimism. It allows you to hold a belief that if you try hard enough, and go at it long enough, and that you are prepared to make adjustments as you progress, you will indeed achieve your goal. Persistence and optimism tell you to keep going, because you will get there.

If you are thinking about what it may take to reach success, you might want to have a look at your persistence. It’s vital that you know what you’re striving for, and what result that you are looking to reach. You should remain focused on that goal every single day until you achieve it. It’s okay to rely on the support of family and friends, because the ability to ask for help is just part of the attitude that accompanies persistence. It isn’t an easy road, even though persistent people make it look easy. Persistence and optimism are the real foundations of lasting self esteem which helps a great deal.