The Journey Within: Where Persistence Really Pays Off

The simple fact of the matter is that the more times you try, the more opportunities there are to win. However, some situations lend themselves more to persistence than others. Let’s look at some of the elements that suggest a situation is ripe for persistence.

When There’s No Downside
The very best situations for being persistent are those where there’s no drawback should things go wrong. For instance, if you’re applying for a job, there are no negative repercussions to not receiving a response. That means there’s no reason not to persist.

When Incremental Change Adds Up
Sometimes we feel like we’ve failed when, in fact, our efforts have accomplished something. If you’ve been sticking to a workout for two weeks, for instance, and you’re seeing no results, you might be tempted to give up. However, the reality is that you probably lost some weight and built some muscle. It’s just not that noticeable—yet. Over time, if you keep trying, the benefits will add up incrementally and eventually you’ll get to where you want to be.

When You Can Learn from It
Likewise, you should keep trying in any situation where you learn from trying. So, if it’s about building a successful website, you should know that you will be learning from each failed attempt. And what that means is that you’re increasingly more likely to succeed. If you give up now, the next time might have been the time you got it right.

When Trying Gives You Hope
Sometimes there is serious value in trying even when it isn’t yielding results. Having a concrete goal can be like having a “light at the end of the tunnel.” It gives you something to keep striving for. When you give up, you take that hope away – which is why it’s so important to carry on.