Success Takes Persistence

If having a dream and planning its course is a journey, then persistence is the engine that keeps you going, no matter the obstacles or dead ends encountered along the way. Persistence is what keeps your legs under you when the waves are crashing against your body and the undertow is determined to knock you down and carry you out to a dark, deep and unforgiving sea. Persistence is your life ring, your hope and your inner voice that tells you to never give up. There’s an old story that illustrates the importance of persistence: A traveler who was on his journey to find success in life sought the help of a guru. The traveler heard about this guru from others and wanted to learn the wisdom and secrets this sage teacher possessed. The traveler approached the guru with great respect and reverence. The traveler asked the simple questio “Which way to success?” The guru did not say a word, but only pointed in a certain direction. The traveler anxious to begin the journey stepped eagerly in that direction. After only a few steps, there was a very loud noise that sounded like “splat!” The traveler returned a little sore and bruised and said. “I asked which way to success. Can you please tell me?” Again, the guru pointed in the same direction. This time, the traveler took a very timid and cautious step in that direction. After a few steps, there was another very loud “splat!” The traveler returned very angry and frustrated, and a little bloody this time. “I asked which way to success and all I get is ‘SPLAT!’ Please talk to me, which way to success?” The guru considered the question very carefully and responded, “Success is that way - just a little further past the ‘splat!’” Translating your dreams to a tangible plan takes action. It also takes awareness that the actions will not always be easy. There will setbacks and pain along the way. Persistence is a choice word. When you do encounter an obstacle, you can either choose to hang in there and keep fighting, or succumb to the temptation of quitting. You may choose to brace yourself when you feel the “splat” or to avoid the discomfort and do nothing. I would suggest doing nothing and quitting would cause the greatest amount of pain. Alex Blackwell is the author of The Next 45 Years - a website dedicated to sharing and creating happiness, life balance and success for the rest of our lives. To read more inspirational stories and articles, please visit: http://www.thenext45years.blogspot.com