Perseverance
A definition of perseverance, from my dictionary: "Persisting
in or remaining constant to a purpose, idea or task in spite
of obstacles." With that definition, it is clear that perseverance
can be either a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes quitting
might be the wisest choice.
New Definition: Wise Perseverance
Here is my "wise perseverance" definition: "Persisting
in or remaining constant to a purpose, idea or task in spite
of obstacles, when such persistence is effective and congruent
with one's higher values." For example, if in your hierarchy
of values, happiness ranks higher than money, don't persist in
making money in ways that cause you to be unhappy. When making
money is ranked higher than a particular business, you may need
to quit a business when you see a better way. To wisely persist
is to persist in the pursuit of your values, but not necessarily
in the means to achieve them.
Of course, the problem with the idea that you should quit
when something isn't worth the effort, is that it's often used
as a rationalization. The idea of quitting comes to mind when
the effort is difficult, but really does serve your purposes.
This is confusing at times, so how do you wisely persevere? Here
are three ways.
Watch yourself objectively:
Note when you look for excuses, rather than the truth. Ask
questions. Is it possible you're letting fear or laziness cause
you to quit or to procrastinate? Is there a pattern in your life
that is repeating here?
Honestly and objectively watching ourselves is difficult.
You can probably think of a time when you saw that a friend was
lying to himself about something. Your perspective was more objective
than his. Why not use this objectivity of an "outsider"
to catch your own little lies? Before quitting anything, explain
your reasoning to a friend, and ask him to honestly tell you
what he thinks. He's more likely than you to recognize your rationalizations.
Look at costs and benefits:
To wisely persevere, you need to see the costs and benefits
of what you are doing. If moving to Hollywood to become a star
is going to cost you your business or family life, you have to
see that clearly before you decide. An honest and good decision
requires honest and good information, and when you are more certain
about your decision, you are more likely to find the strength
to persevere.
Learn to motivate yourself:
When you've made a decision, and you're sure you made it for
the right reasons, you have to motivate yourself. In fact, perseverance
requires that you regularly remotivate yourself. Write goals
down, do daily affirmations, and whatever else works for you.
Start watching yourself, and make self-awareness a habit.
Get used to analyzing costs and benefits objectively. Find ways
to motivate yourself. Do these three things and you will wisely
persist. That's a more useful definition of perseverance.
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