Perseverance: Essential for Success .............. 4/3/11

"In the confrontation between the stream and the 
rock, the stream always wins–not through strength
 but by perseverance.”      – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I thought I'd share the following edited quote with you. 

"If someone asked me for one character quality that is the corner-stone for success, I would say perseverance. 

"Being great athletes, parents, leaders or achieving anything else---weight loss, reducing clutter, getting our finances in order, is really about willingness to persist in the face of challenges. We use these opportunities as a means to exercise our commitment towards whatever goal we seek

"Expecting the road to success to be a  cake walk leads to disappointment. No one is immune to the obstacles that life presents. However, I hold the power to choose what I do with whatever challenge I face.

"So, how about you? Do you persist when times are tough?  Do you pause while assessing the obstacle? Do you view your situation positively, that what you face is an opportunity that can lead to growth and fulfillment? 

"This is where a positive attitude is critical. [Click here, for more about this.]

"We live in a society of instant gratification. Many of us treat our goals in the same manner. We may expect instant mastery, flawless performances. We may want overnight success.  The truth is, our character and potential are determined by how we deal with the obstacles we face.  It is in these moments that we can take it one step at a time, towards the fruition of our dreams."   Beth Allen

     And this:

When nothing seems to help, I look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it.  Yet at the hundred and first blow it may split in two. I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.        Jacob Riis

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How About You? 

1. What helps you to persevere, when you want to give up on a challenge, project, relationship, job or dream?  

2. What do you find as a source of strength, during difficult times? 

3. What quotes or principles spur you on, when you want to give up? 

I'd love hearing your thoughts and your response to this post.