Chapter 6: Persistence: Getting Through and Getting it Done

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people 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 always will solve the problems of the human race.

—Calvin Coolidge,
U.S. president

What Is Persistence?

Tenacity and persistence are two of the strongest words in the English language. To be persistent means to continue steadily or firmly in some state, purpose, or course of action; to last or endure. Tenacity means to hold fast, to refuse to let go or quit. The difference in the two words are subtle; I use them interchangeably because they really mean the same thing: To try, try, and try again until you achieve your goal.

People who are tenacious are good at breaking barriers. They do not let other people stop them from achieving their goals. They are able to overcome deficiencies in talent, education, skill, and opportunities. They push ahead against all odds, and, more often than not, surprise themselves with all that they can accomplish.

Patience and tenacity of purpose are worth more than twice their weight in cleverness.

—Thomas Henry Huxley,
biologist