With January 1 just around the corner let’s talk about perseverance. It’s the very curious ability some people seem to have naturally, to stick with a task and see it through until the end.  By definition perseverance is the “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success”.

I like that word “steadfastness”. It’s such an old-fashioned word and if you think about it, the whole concept of perseverance seems a bit ancient and outdated in our fast paced world. Yet, then and today it seems to be the real secret to success. Here’s what one of the most successful business men of the age had to say about it:

I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature. ~ John D. Rockefeller

He makes an interesting point. Perseverance can overcome many of the obstacles we face when it comes to realizing our dreams and reaching our goals. It can help us push through when we feel stuck. It helps us move on when we feel scared. It keeps us from getting distracted by anything else. In other words, if we practice perseverance and get in the habit of pursuing our tasks, no matter what happens, we can do almost anything. That’s what makes it such an important virtue and one we should strive towards mastering.

It is also interesting that Mr. Rockefeller mentions nature in his quote. In this context, what he’s talking about is the natural ability or talent for something. In other words, even if you’re not naturally good at something – say writing, or picking good business ideas for example – you can outwork that fact and succeed. You can become a better writer, a better musician, and a better business owner by working hard and keeping at it. As long as you don’t give up and keep learning, trying new things, and improving, chances are good that you will taste success.

This idea of perseverance can help you in all aspects of your life. It will make you a better student from a young age. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to pass this idea of perseverance and tenacity on to our children. It will help you in your career and your business. Perseverance will even help you get more done around the house and get better at whatever hobbies and pastimes you pursue. In short, perseverance will help you reach your goals and lead a meaningful and fulfilled life. If you ask me, that’s a very worthwhile pursuit.

As an added bonus, being able to see things through to their completion and success, will give you a great feeling of pride and accomplishment. It’s hard to feel sad, disappointed, or depressed when you’re succeeding. It’s hard to be bored or feel useless when you have plans and the perseverance to see them through to the end. In short, perseverance may just help you lead the happy and fulfilled life you’ve always wanted.

In the next post we’ll take a closer look at this “secret to success”.