Developing self-belief and persistence

Words of wisdom for this week.

“Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.”
~ John Dewey

Do you believe in, trust and accept yourself? This is one of the keys to success, peace, happiness and a worthwhile life.

Many people believe that if some aspect of themselves were better such as weighing less, they were taller, had a better job, smaller nose or nicer home they would then be O.K.

Belief in oneself is knowledge that no matter what crosses your path you can handle it. No matter how hard you fall, how long you are down or who is kicking you while you are down, this too will pass and you can learn from the experience.

There are two types of people in the world. Those that whine and those that act. Those that believe in a better tomorrow and those that don’t. Those that blame and those that take responsibility. Those that resist the pull of life into the future and those that flow with it.

Self-belief says: throw it at me life, I will handle it, overcome it and I will survive and succeed.

A lack of self-belief says, I quit, I can’t do it, it’s too much for me. It’s too hard.

What is your approach to adversity, trouble, failure, problems, challenges or any negative circumstances? Do you have a YES or No in your heart?

Persistence is the only way to guarantee your success over the long haul. Never give up. Never! The only way to know if your dreams will become reality is your willingness to stick with them regardless of setbacks, adversity, broken dreams and negative feedback from the people in your life.

There have been more than a few times in my life when I just wanted to QUIT. It didn’t seem that after so many years pursuing a dream that it should take this long or be this hard. I can remember like it was yesterday when I was sitting in my apartment thinking, “Maybe I should throw in the towel and get a regular job.” (Not that there is anything wrong with a regular job, don’t get me wrong.) But, I didn’t. It was life’s way of testing my resolve, commitment and passion for what wanted.

It doesn’t mean that you will ever get it. Life is not about getting things or achieving things but the willingness to continue the pursuit. You will never get everything you want in life. It’s not that kind of world. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go after them.

Everyone will die with some unfinished business. Someplace to visit, something to do, something to learn and something to become. The growth, satisfaction and joy come in the pursuit. If you believe otherwise, just think of how many goals you have achieved and how they left you with only a temporary sense of satisfaction.

Often there is a downright let down.

The value of life is in the journey toward; not the arrival at. So never give up. Continue the journey no matter what your present rate of progress or the elusiveness of the outcome. Stick with it and you may be surprised at the destination and its meaning for you.