How do we learn how to persist and then teach it to our children? Being persistent requires that you be definite in your decision, and that requires courage. It is a state of mind; therefore, it can be cultivated. With persistence comes success so you must understand what it takes to be persistent and its causes. You must have definite purpose in knowing exactly what you want and then getting emotionally involved enough to make it a burning desire. You will need to arrange the accurate knowledge that you’ve accumulated and create a strategic plan of action.
You must connect with harmoniously like-minded individuals who will assist you with both plan and purpose. Then you must have the willpower and become repetitive with habit. With persistence you must be able to close your mind tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including the negative suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
Many children that I coach fail to persist because of the types, or lack, of friendships they have. Once a child finds that encouraging circle of friends it will make all the difference in their little world. Also, you must realize and teach your child that if they fail it is ok. Remember in my previous blog that failure is good – stepping-stones to success. It is feedback letting you know how to modify your plan. You may have to make some adjustments, but keep moving – keep persisting.
Counter discouragement with encouragement. Success is a wondrous feeling of accomplishment that everyone should be able to experience, but helping attain that in adolescence will make a huge impact on them as adults. Share historical stories with your children about the successful men of all times. Be sure they understand persistence brought them to victory.
The disparity between failure and success can be bridged by perseverance and faith. Remember to teach your children the difference between the person who fails and the one who succeeds is the perception they have. It is seizing an opportunity and acting upon it, unlike the person who allows fear to dominate his abilities.