persevere

Talent is very important. You have to be good at something, better than most other people, in order to succeed in life.

Everybody needs a break, a stroke of good luck or opportunity to prove their value.

A support system: family, friends, people who believe in you are necessary in order to make it through.

All of these things are vital if you plan to succeed.

But above all of these things, in my opinion, the number one thing you have to have on your side in order to make it is:

PERSEVERANCE!

A dictionary definition of persevere is: “to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.” Good one.

You must absolutely refuse to give up, no matter how tough it gets, no matter who is against you, no matter how tired you become. You have to be like a bulldog, once you sink your teeth into that steak, refuse to let go. You won’t be deterred, distracted or dissuaded.  Lack of results? Adjust. Competition is winning? Work harder. Your friends think you’re crazy? Get new friends. But do not quit!

I can’t promise you that you will win. I won’t lie and say that in time, you’ll come out on top every time. But one thing I know for sure: at the end of the day, if you persevere, you will be able to hold your head up, knowing that you did not wimp out. You may not make the most money or acquire the most notoriety, but no one will be able to outlast you. My childhood pastor used to say, “when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!”

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.” Galatians 6:9 (MSG)