Persistence is the Food of Dreams
Nothing in the world can replace persistence, not even talent. It is the quality that gives consistency to a person’s character. The virtue that goes hand-in-hand with fulfilled dreams. Persistence is a bridge between our conscious mind and our subconscious. It’s a direct bridge to success, depending, of course, on other variables such as intelligence and will.
It’s normal for it to take time to meet your goals. There are always obstacles in the way. But as we develop our persistence, we will find alternatives and start seeing each obstacle as an opportunity. We will change perspectives and develop the ability to learn from it.
Often, we have the tools to achieve our goals but we do not succeed because we lack willpower or persistence. According to science, training your will reduces the execution rate of negative impulses from 70% to 17%.
A study conducted by psychologist Wilhelm Hofmann showed that when people immediately give in to a desire or impulse, they do so approximately 70% of the time. When they resist, they give in to the impulse only 17% of the time. That is, drawing on willpower curbs more than 80% of unwanted impulses, explains Hofmann.
A lack of will means that when we have to make a decision we only think of the current benefits. We don’t take into account the consequences, and we don’t see beyond our instincts.
“Patience, persistence, and perspiration are an indestructible combination for success.”
-Napoleon-
Difficulties make us stronger, better people
Falls and crises are inevitable. Our problems, no matter how many we have, are opportunities for personal growth. They motivate us to get resources and skills in order to find solutions. Many times, they are also what take us out of our comfort zone and present us with unavoidable challenges we would never have voluntarily given ourselves.
Thus, in order to face these situations we need to learn how to interpret the problems as an opportunity rather than a problem. The best coping styles are those that put us in the driver’s seat, defining the causes of the problem and identifying which ones we can do something about.
The only thing we can really control is how we respond to difficulties. Every time we respond positively and constructively, we get stronger. We are able to face our next problem or crisis better. Epictetus, philosopher of the Stoic school, wrote: “Circumstances do not make the man, they only reveal him to himself.”
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
Dreams do come true
One of the great secrets of success is to teach our minds to resist. As we walk towards our goals, there will be things in our way. They may make us want to retreat. But don’t give up! When we make a conscious decision not to give up… that is the secret to making our dreams come true.
Having the courage to persist in the face of adversity and disappointment is often what is responsible for victory. Willpower, well channeled, can be very rewarding. But the “well channeled” part is very important. After all, there will be certain battles it would be better to let go because our energy would be better spent elsewhere.
If we want to make our dreams reality, we have to become the kind of person who teaches our will to obey our conscious decision to persist. To continue, no matter how many, what kind, or how big the obstacles in our path are. We will always find a way to keep going and meet our goal.
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
– Bill Bradley-