Perseverance

     The subject I want to consider tonight is perseverance. This is something I have struggled with a lot throughout my life. I have enjoyed the study and preparation I have put into this article, because it has been of help and encouragement to me, and I hope it will be a help to you as well.

"A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance." - Gary Hamel

     What struck me about the quote above, was the word "purpose". It is true that we must have perseverance in order to succeed in something, but if we don't have a definite and certain purpose for why we are doing it, we will not have the motivation to continue doing it, when the times get tough.

     So, when we set out to make a positive change in our life, whether it is starting a new career, taking up a new hobby, quitting smoking, or whatever it might be, first of all, we must stop and think about what our purpose, or reason, is for doing it in the first place.

     For example, if you need to stop smoking and start exercising, your purpose for doing so would be that you might live a longer, healthier life. If you need to make a career change, or start a second business on the side, your purpose might be to better provide for your family. Because, as time goes on, and we don't see much reward for our efforts, we will start to lose patience and get discouraged, and be tempted to give up, but then we can remember what our purpose was for starting the new endeavor in the first place, that will give us encouragement and motivation to keep going on!

     Now, getting back to perseverance, this is how the dictionary defines it:

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary: Perseverance 

To maintain a purpose in spite of opposition or discouragement; not to give up or abandon what is undertaken.

Perseverance is not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard.

      Here are some additional quotes on perseverance:

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Christopher Reeve (1952-2004); Actor, Producer, Director, And Writer; Best Known For His Role As Superman

“With ordinary talents and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.”

Sir Thomas Buxton (1786-1845); British Member Of Parliament

“Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.”

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881); Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom

Have "Patient continuance in well doing"  Romans 2:7

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