Perseverance

It happens to all of us.

We develop an interest in something. It becomes a borderline obsession. Then, after a period of time, we rarely do “it” anymore.

What happens??

For me, these interests have included solving global poverty, learning arabic and hobbies like quilting. I still care about these interests but poverty is too huge and I have not spoken a word of arabic nor stitched a quilt in years. Sad.

I lack perseverance. But, why?

Busters of Perseverance

Boredom. I just got tired. We can all grow weary or bored of “it”. Our interest loses interest and “it” no longer tops scheduling priorities for the day. We stall. We may begin with huge plans, but as Shakespeare wrote “fatigue makes cowards of us all.”

Difficulties. Challenges arise. For awhile the newness factor carried me along. The sweet aroma of a new book or new fabric to stitch was all the motivation I needed. But then…it got hard! It always does. More time, ability, and resources are needed to force a mindful decision to continue. Sometimes the price is too high.

Blurred vision. When the reason for our direction grows fuzzy, the importance wanes. Why am I learning a new language? What will I do with a new hobby? The beginning is always fun, but when we are in the middle of something we begin to lose sight of the final product and begin meandering and wandering . . . and wondering . . . looking . . . hmm . .

How To Persevere

Quite simply put: it’s a decision. Then, the choice is yours to act on your decision. Not always a simple thing…but here are steps:

• Enjoy the beginning
• Establish mini-goals to help stay focused
• Expect bumps in the road … do not grow weary
• Celebrate when you achieve your mini-goals and prepare for the next level
• Repeat the steps

About the “Repeat” part … perseverance requires a certain amount of courage. Often the next step in a journey is into unknown territory. Prepare for your heart to skip a beat and anxiety to rise a bit as you move on to the next level.  “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” (Mary Anne Radmacher)

My Step Back into Perseverance…

I cannot solve global poverty. It is SO huge, I got lost in finding my place in the fight. BUT I have reinvigorated this passion by a series of mini-goals. One was to participate in International Justice Mission’s book launch for The Locust Effect. This book lays out how the end of poverty requires the end of violence. It has been huge in my understanding of poverty, justice, and ways to impact the issue!

Next mini-goal about global poverty: spread the word about The Locust Effect!!
By the way, here is the link to the intro and sample chapter of this transformational book. Download it FREE! Then please plan to purchase your book during next week’s international launch!

Your Turn

What is one interest in your life that you would like to return to or begin to do? Don’t think too long…what is the first thing that pops into your mind??

Leave a comment below and let us know!

 Posted by Sharon R Hoover