The #1 Ingredient for Success

 

‘Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.’

-William Feather

 

‘I haven’t failed.  I’ve identified 10,000 ways this doesn’t work.’

-Thomas Edison

 

‘The Dictionary is the only place where success precedes work.’

-Quincy Jones

 

What is the #1 ingredient for success and achievement? Persistence.  No, it is not talent, nor is it luck or circumstance.

 

Let me share with you the dictionary definition of persist: To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks. 

 

Wow, what an inspiring definition.  The power of persistence is undeniable.  It is impossible for anyone to discount the importance of having persistence in the pursuit of any goal you desire.

 

Now, here is the million dollar question, why is having persistence so difficult?  A more tangible way to ask this question, why is it that 95% of diets fail?  This is a fact, 95% of the time that someone begins a new diet, they fail.  All of these diets start with an admirable goal and positive actions to begin with. But, why do they fail?  The answer is actually quite simple. Most people are derailed from their diet by an obstacle or setback.  Something happens that makes staying on that diet more difficult.  You are in a hurry and had no choice but to stop for fast food, or you are at a birthday party and are offered cake, the list can go on and on.  The result of this difficulty is either an obstacle or a setback.

 

Now the key to persistence, whether is in a diet, in your business, or in any other pursuit of a goal, is how do you deal with obstacles and setbacks?  Do you bounce right back and hold firmly and steadfastly to your purpose? Or do you give up?  Those are your only two choices.

 

I might be stating the obvious, but you must realize and accept that in your pursuit of any goal in life, you will encounter obstacles and setbacks.  Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without facing them.  How will you decide to react when faced with your next setback?

 

The most important secret to improving your level of persistence; Make sure that you are passionate about any goal that you set out to achieve.  Make sure that you really want it.  That it excites you in every way imaginable.  It is tremendously easier to practice persistence in the face of obstacles and setbacks when you are completely passionate about the goal that is on the other side. 

It gives me solace everyday to remember that it is persistence that is the #1 ingredient for success.  Why?  Because I can’t control my innate talent or circumstance, but I can certainly control my persistence.

 

Kyle C. Ryan