Nothing In The World Can Take The Place of Persistence

Persistence is often the key ingredient missing when one tries to achieve a goal. Even more so in today’s world where instant gratification is not just desired but expected. When results do not come quickly and easily, many people become discouraged and give up. Worst of all, some quit even though they are much closer to achieving their goal than they think.

One of my favorite examples of persistence is the character of Scrat, from the Ice Age movies. He has every reason to quit chasing the acorn; he faces obstacle after obstacle and just when he thinks he finally has it, it slips from his grasp once again. Through all of this he never gives up, he truly is the embodiment of persistence.

I will leave you with my favorite quote regarding persistence, from Calvin Coolidge. “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”