You didn't hear from me last week. I was blessed enough to have a crazy week and spent a good portion of my time at a client site doing what I love, teaching and training t
But in the midst of that, my daily list of intentional things I KNOW that I need to do to keep me focused, grounded, sane, and on track with goals, fell by the wayside. No quiet time, not enough water, didn't get my exercise in everyday. Forgot my vitamins.
It's as though EVERYTHING I've been learning, applying, and attempting to reprogram my subconscious, stubborn mind for months on end, were just forgotten in the midst of busyness. And boy am I paying for it....that patience that my quiet time helps me with, was gone by Friday. No progress on my weight loss goals this week. My desk was a mess, so I've spent most of today getting organized and attempting to reapply focus.
Yep - that's going to happen. It's the reality of society these days. So much to do, so little time.
While this is the reality of the situation, we must be self-aware enough to catch on to what we are letting slide, then quickly make adjustments to get back on track. To persist in the face of obstacles. Keep going, keep pushing.
In the book, Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill, he outlines 8 causes of persistence. 8 things that will fuel our fire to keep going:
Definiteness of purpose. Do you know what you want, and why it is important to keep going? If so, remind yourself daily.
Desire. How bad do you want it? The weaker the desire, the less likely you are to persist when obstacles set you back.
Self-reliance. Do you believe in yourself and your ability to carry out your purpose and desire behind this pursuit?
Definiteness of plans. Is there a plan in place that leads you to your next step? It doesn't have to be the full plan - just a next step.
Accurate knowledge. Do you know what you need to do? Guessing instead of knowing what is next destroys persistence.
Cooperation. Do you have the support of those around you? And accountability partner is key in pushing through.
Will-power. This is defined as the habit of concentrating one's thoughts upon the building and attainment of the goal. The desire. Do you concentrate on it daily, or think about it 1 time a week, or month? The more concentration, the easier it will be to persist.
Habit. Persistence is the direct result of habit. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feeds.
Which of these areas could be holding you back from persistently pursuing the goals or dreams that you want to achieve? My 2 biggest enemies on the list are will-power and habit. If I do not have it on my list to do - or concentrate my time and energy towards my to-do list - it won't happen. I believe the two go hand in hand.
Last week, my concentration was broken on the daily, repetitive tasks that effectively change my habits to those that are productive and move me towards my goals.
As Mr. Hill says, persistence is your insurance against failure.
If one does not possess persistence, one does not achieve noteworthy success in any calling.
Sounds pretty important to me.....
In addition, look how the Bible reiterates this:
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it. 2 Corinthians 8:11So, today is a new day....and I will overcome. I will persist. I will advance confidently this week in the direction of my dreams and purpose. Off to finish the work, my friends.