Persistence

“Nothing in this 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 will always solve the problems of the human race.” – Calvin Coolidge

As I have read about the Westward migration and settlement of the American West this year, I am in reverence for those who persisted in braving the elements, starvation, loss of loved ones and still put one bare frostbitten foot in front of the other; persisting to their goal. They are incredible examples of persistence and determination.

We have seen, through a simple study of history, the benefits of those who persist - from the founding fathers and mothers of this country to inventors of the modern conveniences we take for granted. Behind each of them is a story of persistence, passion, and determination. The survival of entire species depends on persistence – think of the great animal migrations, from salmon, whale, bird, caribou, and others. The survival of our human species also depends upon it.

Newt Gingrich once said, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” There has been a lot of hard work this year as individuals worked to provide for their families and keep them safe. There has been a lot of hard work as business owners to stay in business, support their customers and employees and keep them safe. There will be more work to do.

Those who find themselves successful on the other side of this pandemic will be those that kept moving forward putting one foot in front of the other, thinking of new ways to do things and doing the hard work to pivot, adjust and grow.
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Press on!