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Life is tough and I don’t know about you friend, but the last few months have been particularly difficult for me. The famous phrase, “Throw in the towel” crossed my mind several times. I am sure there are seasons in our life when every inch of us cries out, “I can’t take it anymore or I cannot do this one more day.” It could be a job, a business venture, studies, projects, or even a relationship that we are pursuing.

That brings me to the purpose of this blog, “The Power of Perseverance”.

A movie was released not so long back, titled, “Manhji- The Mountain Man”. It was based on the true story of a poor labourer, Mr. Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a path 30 feet wide and 360 feet long, through a huge hill, only using a hammer and a chisel. His driving force was the fact, that he lost his pregnant wife who died due to a lack of proper road connections from their village to the nearest hospital. Alone, he kept persevering this goal with determination to complete the task, even at the cost of being tired, hungry and ridiculed by people. A poor illiterate villager single handedly attains this feat! What better example of the Power of Perseverance.

Today, if you are at the verge of giving up because of not seeing the desired result in any area of your life, here is what I would say can be some check points as an encouragement to us all :

1) Is this really what I want?

Very often we feel overwhelmed and weary because of too much on our plate. It is good to stop, prioritize and see what we are doing and why we are doing it. Taking a short break if one is feeling over whelmed & finding clarity for life’s goals is the key. One of my favorite check points is am I convinced about what I am pursuing and am I enjoying doing it?

2) Stop judging yourself as a loser

This is the most dangerous enemy in us realizing our dreams. We may have failed a few tries or could be facing resistance, challenges, issues…everyone does. The ‘key is to persevere’ in spite of it all without giving up.

3) Rekindle the driving force

There should be a driving force, a motive that drives us to persevere. Look at Mr. Dashrath Manjhi, in the story above. For me, it is the basic fact that I have one life and I need it to matter. So, no matter what, I am going to pursue my dreams and make the fullest use of this life. The truth is many a times, we give up too soon and jump to other options, instead of continuing to persevere and giving it the right amount of time and efforts to see the desired results.

4) Be honest

While we do feel tired and discouraged at times, we need to refrain from having the victim mentality. Let’s be focussed and serious about  what it is that we are pursuing? What will it take to realize it and are most critical is are we really giving it our consistent best?

5) Positive affirmation

It always helps to have a few close people around you who can cheer you on in the dream you are pursuing. Surround yourself with them because the effect of the positive words they speak to you, and what you tell yourself too, is tremendous and powerful to propel you on.

In Conclusion:

Nature teaches us a  principle that water falling on a rock constantly drop by drop can break the rock. The criteria for success does not have to be power, influence, and ready- made resources at hand. There are enough success stories of persons who made it from obscure backgrounds, simply because of their diligent perseverance. I don’t think any person in this world will ever be able to say that life has been easy for them. Not even a multi-millionaire or a famous celebrity for that matter. Everyone has to persevere and that is the key to making it in life and seeing our dreams materialise.

So, for our relationships, business, jobs, children, dreams, new ventures that are being pursued, if we are weary , tired and at the verge of giving up it may help to assess the above 5 steps.

Friends many a times, just when we are about to throw in the towel, walking those few extra steps, and running that last lap without giving up, will have your destiny awaiting you.

Salma Bernard

Image courtesy : pixabay.com