The Power of Persistence
- Dec 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Happy day, my friends,
For over a week, I've grappled with expressing the concept of CONSISTENCY. Ideas come and go, but putting these thoughts into words has proven challenging.
Today, I consulted the Oxford dictionary to gain some clarity about the word consistency, defined as "conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness." However, this definition didn't capture what I wanted to express. Then, I consulted the Cambridge dictionary, defining it as "the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in a similar way". And although consistency is something we want to achieve when we are creating new routines and habits, I realized my thoughts were trying to express a different concept, closely related to consistency, persistence.
PERSISTENCE is defined by the Britannica dictionary as "continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop." And here I am, persisting in writing this article even when it feels challenging.
On our path to well-being, most of us aim to implement positive changes: better nutrition, more physical movement, increased hydration, improved sleep, meaningful connections, quality time with family, personal growth, connection with Spirit, financial prosperity, purpose, and meaning. However, we often fall short of being consistent with our goals. The desire for ultimate well-being is there, but various factors divert our focus—a work deadline, a family member needing attention, unexpected circumstances, or the holidays. Sometimes, it feels challenging to get back on track with our goals. Guilt may creep into our minds, leading to a downward spiral that immobilizes us. This guilt fosters self-doubt, even questioning our self-worthiness.
I'm here to tell you to push through that guilt. Resting in guilt gains you nothing. Crush that guilt, which is only in your mind, and claim your worthiness. Evaluate your worthiness not by how many times you deviate from the path to well-being but by how many times you get back on that path. That, my friends, is the essence of persistence: consistently returning to the path despite obstacles and challenges.
View obstacles and challenges not as negative forces but as blessings—opportunities to learn something new. With this new knowledge, revise your well-being goals, create new strategies if needed, or adapt to new circumstances. The Greek Philosopher Heraclitus said: “Everything changes, nothing remains the same”—meaning, the only constant in life is change.
From birth until death, our bodies undergo constant changes, our circumstances evolve, and our life experiences shift. This understanding is crucial on our well-being journey. When setting goals, creating habits, or striving for consistency, accept that life is full of changes. Success doesn't come from guilt over inconsistency but from the ability to adapt to changes and persist with goals and desires.
The power of persistence lies, as mentioned earlier, in your ability to walk toward your goals and aspirations despite challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. It is your unwavering commitment and determination to continue working toward a desired outcome, even when faced with difficulties or the temptation to give up.
As we practice the skill of persistence, we gain the power of:
Overcoming Obstacles: Persistence enables individuals to face and overcome obstacles that may arise on their journey. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, persistent individuals view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Achieving Long-Term Goals: Long-term success often requires sustained effort and consistency. Persistent individuals understand that reaching significant milestones takes time and dedication, and they are willing to put in the necessary work over an extended period.
Building Resilience: Persistence fosters resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Resilient individuals view failures as temporary and use them as stepping stones toward future success.
Maintaining Consistency: Consistency is a key component of persistence. By consistently working toward their objectives, individuals create positive habits and routines that contribute to their overall success.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Persistent individuals often possess a growth mindset, believing that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset encourages a positive attitude toward challenges and a willingness to embrace continuous improvement.
Inspiring Others: The tenacity and determination displayed by persistent individuals can inspire and motivate those around them. Leading by example, they demonstrate the power of commitment and resilience.
Overcoming Failure: Failure is an inevitable part of any journey, but persistence empowers individuals to view failure not as the end but as a temporary setback. They learn from their mistakes, adapt, and continue moving forward.
Increasing Self-Confidence: Achieving goals through persistent effort boosts self-confidence. The more individuals persist and witness their progress, the more they believe in their ability to overcome challenges and succeed.
In essence, the power of persistence is transformative. It transforms challenges into opportunities, setbacks into comebacks, and dreams into reality. It is a driving force that propels individuals forward on their paths to success, well-being, and personal growth.
With this in mind, my dear friend, I wish a Joyous Holiday Season!
Coach Edna
Ready to start your journey to an Empowered WellBeing w/Coach Edna?
Did something spark your curiosity on this post? Do you want to know more about a this or other health & lifestyle topic? Leave a comment below or contact me. I'll be happy to answer and/or provide additional information.
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