What does that mean?
Given the current economic situation, this seemed an interesting quote to tackle. It reminds us that the tough times come and go. Even if things seem bleak today, in a few years it will likely be very different. The quote then says that tough people do last. It implies that the people who can weather the tough times are sufficiently tough to handle just about anything.
Given the current economic situation, this seemed an interesting quote to tackle. It reminds us that the tough times come and go. Even if things seem bleak today, in a few years it will likely be very different. The quote then says that tough people do last. It implies that the people who can weather the tough times are sufficiently tough to handle just about anything.
Together, the two parts of the quote reminds us that while the difficulties are transient, people are durable. By durable I mean that tough people can persevere, that you can persevere, through anything that you might have to face.
Why is perseverance important?
You already have outlasted most of your childhood difficulties, the difficulties of learning to walk, talk, feed yourself, dress yourself and so many others. If you’ve ever known a person who is going through physical therapy to learn how to walk again, or re-learn any other basic skill, you have a clue about how tough it really is. If you haven’t, it is both gut wrenching and glorious at the same time.
You already have outlasted most of your childhood difficulties, the difficulties of learning to walk, talk, feed yourself, dress yourself and so many others. If you’ve ever known a person who is going through physical therapy to learn how to walk again, or re-learn any other basic skill, you have a clue about how tough it really is. If you haven’t, it is both gut wrenching and glorious at the same time.
Perseverance is the ability to stick with it despite the desire to let go. Some say it is the small voice deep inside you that says “hang on” when the rest of you screams to give up. It can be tough to hang on, but that’s what makes you a tough, or durable, person. One who perseveres is one who doesn’t quit when things go against them, or when the odds go from bad to worse.
Where can I apply this in my life?
Perseverance in the face of difficulties is a defining trait of humanity. While not all of us square off against every difficulty in life, most of us are willing to face the challenges that are important to us. I’m not talking about ‘bar room’ challenges, but the truly difficult portions of our lives.
Perseverance in the face of difficulties is a defining trait of humanity. While not all of us square off against every difficulty in life, most of us are willing to face the challenges that are important to us. I’m not talking about ‘bar room’ challenges, but the truly difficult portions of our lives.
I face difficulties gladly for two reasons. The first reason is that I don’t usually have any choice about facing the difficulty, so I’d rather do it gladly than reluctantly. The other reason is I like to test my limits. Whether it’s learning new skills, climbing a tree/rock face/boulder, jumping out of an airplane, or surviving a hardship, I want to see what I’m made of.
I’m focusing on the attitude in this post because I feel it is crucial to perseverance. If you are reluctant, how do you feel? Say this to yourself: “Oh well, I suppose that if I have to…” What is your posture like? Victorious or Defeated? What is your energy like? Are you ready to take it on, or are you ready to lie down and give up? Which is the attitude of perseverance?
Don’t set your attitude based on the task at hand, but on what you can do after you complete it. If you have a whole list of chores, think of what you’ll do after you’re done. Keep a positive attitude and the task becomes less onerous. Keep the faith, keep a good attitude and keep working hard, and you will persevere.
Sometimes, your attitude is all you’ve got. Protect it!
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