You have probably heard and used the quote “Winners never quit. Quitters never win.”

It is one of my favorites because it is a continual reminder to me about setting my goals and striving to reach them. (Being a stubborn Taurus helps a bit also!)

Perseverance is a state of mind. Like grit, it is a determination to accomplish one’s ambitions — to reach the goal despite inevitable obstacles. It implies the ability to keep doing whatever is necessary to reach the set goal. It is not the same as self-discipline, which is the ability to refrain from doing something. The two are related. If one has to stay on track with perseverance one needs to be able to have the necessary self discipline to not waver or wonder off track.

In an interesting study at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that perseverance, grit, is every bit as important as talent and aptitude in achieving success in school work and other pursuits. Dr. Martin Seligman, director of the University’s Positive Psychology Center says, “Unless you’re a genius, I don’t think you can ever do better than your competitors without a quality like grit.”

Just as self-discipline is a related factor in perseverance, so, too, are other personal characteristics. Passion and optimism are wonderful attributes that help one be successful, and joyful in the process.

It is not easy for many people to find their passion. I remember my days at the University of Wisconsin when I needed to choose a major. I did not have a clue. I did not know myself well, never had a mentor and was too busy partying with my fraternity brothers, including Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs. (That’s thrown in for those of you who know their music. We had fun!) I chose economics out of the grab bag. Not a good fit.

It has taken many years, a few detours, reading and reflection to find my passion, both personally and professionally. Passion lights the fires of successful living.

Optimism is another quality that fuels perseverance. To be able to see the possibilities, the potential for success without being dragged down by pessimism, is exciting and encouraging. Optimism is a necessary ingredient of faith and hope, spiritual qualities facilitating the drive to succeed in all aspects of life.

The title of this article asked you if you have perseverance and if you encourage it. And the answer is?

Besides your personal quest to add, or continue to have, perseverance as a part of your personal make-up, it is important to assist others in developing this attribute. This is particularly true for your children. Perseverance can be taught. One tip with kids, praise their effort, not their ability or outcomes. Recognize ability and outcome to be sure, but emphasize and reinforce the quality effort/perseverance they exhibited. And modeling perseverance is still the best way to teach you children. Kids usually grow into what they see their parents do.

For those of you who finished this article I appreciate your perseverance!



Dr. Stathas is a counseling psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the Lake Oconee area. He is the founder of the Stathas Life Development Center. He can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com