A new year has a way of resetting our perspective. As 2026 begins, productivity isn’t about doing more for the sake of busyness—it’s about doing what matters with clarity, intention, and sustainability. The past few years have taught many of us that burnout is easy to reach and hard to recover from. This year, productivity should feel supportive, not exhausting.
Here are practical, realistic ways to be more productive as we step into 2026—without losing ourselves in the process.
Redefine What “Productive” Means
Productivity is often mistaken for constant motion. In reality, it’s about progress. Being productive might mean completing one meaningful task instead of ten shallow ones. It could mean resting so you can show up stronger tomorrow.
As you begin the year, ask yourself:
What outcomes actually matter to me this year?
What activities move me closer to those outcomes?
What can I let go of?
When productivity is tied to purpose, it becomes easier to focus—and easier to say no. So never allow yourself to think that being busy is the same as being productive. I would submit to you that if you didn’t get closer to a goal on any particular day, then no matter how busy you were, you were not productive that day.
Start With Fewer Goals
There’s a temptation at the start of a new year to set ambitious, packed goal lists. The problem? Too many goals compete for your attention and dilute your energy.
Instead, choose:
One primary focus for the year
Two or three supporting goals
This creates direction without being overwhelmed. You can always add more later, but starting small increases your chances of follow through.
Build Systems, Not Just Motivation
Motivation is unreliable. Systems are dependable.
Rather than asking, “How can I stay motivated?” ask:
How can I make this easier?
What routine supports this habit?
What reminder or structure keeps me consistent?
For example, instead of relying on motivation to work out, place your workout time directly after an existing habit, like waking up or finishing work. Productivity grows when actions become automatic.
Plan Your Days the Night Before
One of the simplest productivity habits is planning for tomorrow today.
At the end of each day:
Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow
Identify the most important task and plan when you’ll do it
Clear mental clutter by writing everything else down
This allows you to start your day with intention instead of reaction. You’ll spend less time deciding what to do and more time actually doing it.
Focus on Energy, Not Just Time
Time management matters, but energy management matters more. Pay attention to when you feel most focused, creative, or alert.
Ask yourself:
When do I do my best thinking?
When do I feel drained?
What tasks require high energy vs. low energy?
Schedule demanding work during your peak energy hours and reserve lighter tasks for slower moments. Productivity improves when your schedule works with your body, not against it.
Reduce Digital Distractions
In 2026, distractions are more refined than ever. Notifications, endless content, and constant connectivity quietly drain attention.
Simple steps can make a big difference:
Turn off non-essential notifications
Set specific times to check email or social media
Create “focus blocks” with your phone out of reach
You don’t need more willpower—you need fewer interruptions.
Leave Room for Rest
Rest is not the enemy of productivity; it’s the foundation of it.
If your schedule is packed with no margin, productivity will eventually collapse. Build in:
Breaks throughout the day
Days without heavy commitments
Time to reflect and reset
Rest allows your mind to process, your creativity to recharge, and your motivation to return naturally.
Reflect Regularly
Productivity isn’t something you set once in January and forget. It’s something you refine.
At the end of each week or month, reflect:
What worked well?
What felt draining or unnecessary?
What needs adjusting?
Small course corrections throughout the year lead to big improvements over time.
Move Forward With Intention
As 2026 begins, remember that productivity isn’t about perfection. You will have slow days, off weeks, and moments when plans fall apart. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
Choose progress over pressure. Choose clarity over chaos. And most importantly, choose a version of productivity that supports the life you want to live—not one that consumes it.
Here’s to a more focused, balanced, and intentional 2026.
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Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
Leadership is a never-ending journey of growth. It requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. That’s why evaluating yourself as a leader is so crucial to your long-term success. Self-evaluation is a powerful way to identify your strengths, uncover areas for development, and ensure you’re effectively guiding your team toward success. In this post, we’ll look at practical steps to assess your leadership skills, reflect on your impact, and set a course for growth.
Why Self-Evaluation Matters for Leaders
Self-evaluation is more than just a personal check-in; it’s a proactive step to align your actions with your values and goals. By regularly assessing your leadership, you can:
• Gain Clarity: Understand how your behaviors and decisions impact your team.
• Build Trust: Demonstrate accountability by recognizing and addressing your weaknesses.
• Drive Growth: Identify opportunities to enhance your skills and leadership style.
• Inspire Others: Model self-reflection, encouraging your team to grow alongside you.
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to evaluating yourself as a leader.
Step 1: Define Your Leadership Values and Goals
Before you can evaluate your performance, you need a clear benchmark. Start by reflecting on your core leadership values and goals:
• What kind of leader do you want to be? Are you aiming to be collaborative, decisive, empathetic, or innovative? Perhaps all of the above? Write down 3-5 core values that define your leadership philosophy.
• What are your goals? Consider both short-term objectives (e.g., improving team communication) and long-term aspirations (e.g., fostering a culture of innovation).
• How do these align with your organization’s mission? Ensure your personal leadership goals support the broader vision of your team or company.
Action Tip: Create a “Leadership Mission Statement” that encapsulates your values and goals. For example: “I strive to lead with empathy and clarity, empowering my team to achieve excellence while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.” Post your mission statement where others can see it. That will help create accountability and build a bridge to step 2.
Step 2: Seek Feedback from Others
Self-evaluation is incomplete without external perspectives. Others can provide insights into how your leadership is perceived and its impact on the team. Here’s how to gather meaningful feedback:
• Ask for 360-degree feedback: Collect input from peers, direct reports, and supervisors. Use anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations to encourage honesty.
• Ask specific questions: Instead of vague prompts like “How am I doing?”, ask targeted questions such as:
• “What’s one thing I do well as a leader?”
• “What’s one area where I could improve my support for the team?”
• Listen without defensiveness: Approach feedback with an open mind, focusing on growth rather than justification.
Action Tip: Use a tool like Google Forms or a platform like SurveyMonkey to create a simple, anonymous feedback survey. Schedule follow-up discussions with your team to clarify feedback and show your commitment to acting on it.
Step 3: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
I’m really close to saying that EQ is even more important for a leader than IQ. That’s because emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship management. To evaluate your EQ:
• Self-Awareness: Reflect on how well you understand your emotions and their impact on your decisions. Do you recognize when stress or frustration affects your leadership?
• Self-Regulation: Consider how you handle challenges. Do you stay calm under pressure, or do you react impulsively?
• Empathy: Ask yourself how well you understand and respond to your team’s needs. Do you actively listen and show genuine care for their perspectives?
• Relationship Management: Evaluate your ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire collaboration.
Action Tip: Take an online EQ assessment, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal by TalentSmart, or journal about a recent leadership challenge to analyze how your emotions influenced your actions.
Step 4: Review Your Decision-Making and Results
Leadership is often judged by outcomes. Evaluate your decision-making process and the results of your leadership:
• Decision-Making Process: Are your decisions informed, inclusive, and aligned with your values? Do you seek different perspectives before acting?
• Impact on Team Performance: Look at measurable outcomes, such as team productivity, morale, or project success. Have your actions led to positive results?
• Adaptability: Reflect on how you handle change or uncertainty. Do you pivot effectively when faced with challenges?
Action Tip: Review a recent project or initiative you led. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and one decision you would approach differently next time. Use this to identify patterns in your leadership style.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is critical for leadership success. Assess how well you convey ideas, listen, and encourage open dialogue.
• Clarity: Do you articulate goals and expectations clearly? Are your instructions easy to understand?
• Active Listening: Do you genuinely listen to your team’s ideas and concerns, or do you dominate conversations?
• Feedback Delivery: Are you constructive and specific when providing feedback? Do you balance praise with areas for improvement?
Action Tip: Record a team meeting (with permission) or ask a trusted colleague to observe your communication style. Note areas where you excel or could improve, such as body language or tone.
Step 6: Reflect on Your Team’s Growth and Engagement
A leader’s success is tied to their team’s growth and motivation. Evaluate how you are fostering a positive and productive environment:
• Team Development: Are you providing opportunities for your team to learn and grow? Do you delegate effectively to build their skills?
• Engagement: Are team members motivated and committed? Do they feel valued and empowered?
• Culture: What kind of culture are you creating? Is it inclusive, collaborative, and aligned with your values?
Action Tip: Conduct a “stay interview” with team members to understand what keeps them engaged and what could improve their experience. Use their insights to assess your impact as a leader.
Step 7: Set Goals for Improvement
Self-evaluation is only effective if it leads to action. Based on your reflections and feedback, identify 1-3 areas for improvement and create a plan:
• Be Specific: Instead of “I’ll be a better communicator,” aim for “I’ll practice active listening by summarizing team members’ points in meetings.”
• Set Measurable Goals: For example, “I will implement monthly one-on-one check-ins with my team to improve engagement.”
• Seek Resources: Consider leadership training, books (e.g., The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni), or a mentor to support your growth.
Action Tip: Create a 30-60-90-day plan outlining specific actions you will take to improve. Review your progress regularly to stay accountable.
Step 8: Make Self-Evaluation a Habit
Leadership evaluation isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. Build self-reflection into your routine:
• Daily Reflection: Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day journaling about a leadership moment—what went well and what could be better.
• Monthly Check-Ins: Revisit your leadership mission statement and goals to ensure you’re on track.
• Annual Deep Dive: Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment, including 360-degree feedback, to measure your growth over time.
Action Tip: Use a journal or app like Evernote to track your reflections and progress. Set calendar reminders for monthly and annual check-ins.
Final Thoughts
Evaluating yourself as a leader requires honesty, humility, and a commitment to growth. By defining your values, seeking feedback, assessing your emotional intelligence, and reflecting on your impact, you can gain a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement.
The goal isn’t perfection but progress—each step you take toward becoming a better leader inspires your team and drives meaningful results. As you become a more effective leader, your team becomes more effective as well. And never forget, not even for a moment, that your leadership is not about you; it’s ALL about the people you lead.
So, take the first step today: carve out 15 minutes to reflect on one aspect of your leadership, such as how you handled a recent challenge. Then, commit to one small action to improve. Your team—and your future self—will thank you for it.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a gift!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that everything seems to set us off. A tough critique at work, a spat with a friend, a never-ending to-do list—suddenly, the world can feel like it’s crashing down. But the truth is, most of what stresses us out are just small pieces of a much larger, more complex puzzle.
Learning how to keep things in perspective isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about developing a mindset that prevents minor setbacks from hijacking your overall well-being.
I’m a big believer in living in what Dale Carnegie called, “Day-Tight Compartments.” Living each day in its own 24 hours. That means not allowing yesterday’s “stuff” to impact today’s efforts. It means not over-worrying about tomorrow’s events at the cost of today’s happiness and productivity.
Living in Day-Tight Compartments is the superpower that lets you navigate storms without sinking your entire ship.
Here are a few practical strategies you can use to zoom out and regain your footing when life feels too big and your Day-Tight Compartment starts to get a little leaky.
1. The 10/10/10 Rule
When you’re facing a stressful decision or a major upset, try asking yourself these three simple questions:
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes? (Immediate impact)
How will I feel about this in 10 months? (Mid-term impact)
How will I feel about this in 10 years? (Long-term impact)
Most of the things that cause immediate distress—that awkward email, a spilled coffee, a missed deadline—will have zero emotional weight in 10 months or 10 years. This exercise instantly shifts your focus from the current drama to the long-term reality, often shrinking the problem down to its true, manageable size.
2. The “Worst-Case Scenario” Check
Our minds are masters of catastrophizing. When we feel anxious, we often jump straight to the most dramatic, scary outcomes without checking the facts.
Next time you feel a worry spiraling, take a moment to define the absolute worst-case scenario. Write it down. Then, ask yourself two more questions:
How likely is this truly to happen? (Be honest, not fearful.)
If it did happen, what is the absolute minimum I could do to recover?
By confronting the “worst” and creating a fallback plan, you strip away its power. You realize that even if the worst happens, you would be okay, and you have the resourcefulness to handle it. You move from panic to planning. This will take a ton of weight off your shoulders.
3. Embrace the “Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence”
This concept, popularized by Stephen Covey, is critical for reducing stress over things you cannot control.
Circle of Concern: Everything you worry about—the economy, the weather, what others think of you, a coworker’s bad mood.
Circle of Influence: The things you can actually do something about—your effort, your attitude, your boundaries, and how you spend your time.
When stress hits, identify what part of the problem falls into your Circle of Influence. Don’t waste energy fretting over the weather (Concern); focus on bringing an umbrella (Influence). By dedicating your time and energy only to what you can control, you become more effective and less burdened.
4. Practice Gratitude Daily
It sounds almost silly, but a consistent gratitude practice is one of the most powerful tools for perspective. When you focus on what you lack or what went wrong, you narrow your vision. Gratitude forces you to widen it.
Take three minutes every morning or evening to list three specific things you are genuinely grateful for. It could be your morning coffee, a good night’s sleep, or the support of a friend.
This simple act reminds you that even on a bad day, your life is filled with existing good things—and the minor setback you’re currently facing doesn’t invalidate any of them. It puts your troubles into a richer, fuller context, which tends to shrink them.
A Final Thought: You Are More Than Your Problems
Remember that you are not your immediate circumstances. Hope is the understanding that our current circumstances are very unlikely to be our permanent circumstances. A bad day is a single data point, not a complete picture of your life. That means we always have hope. When you feel trapped by a current challenge, step back, breathe, and use one of these tools to zoom out.
The ability to keep things in perspective isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a skill you build, day by day, worry by worry. Start practicing today, and watch how much smaller and easier to manage your challenges become.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a gift!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m a little surprised by how often I’m asked by people how to ask for a raise. I don’t normally answer a question with a question, but in this circumstance, I do it anyway. The question I ask is, “Do you deserve a raise?”
I get a variety of answers to that question. Many people say, “well, I need one.” This is where the frustration begins to set in for them. Because my reply is that if I’m your employer, I could care less that you think you need a raise.
I then ask them to explain to me, with a pretty good level of specificity, why they deserve a raise. I want them to tell me what they have done to make themselves more valuable to their employer.
It is my belief that no one is entitled to a raise they didn’t earn just because they have been with a company for a certain period of time.
Consistently increasing the value you bring to your employer is the fastest way to earn a raise. Increasing your value helps you stand out from your colleagues and coworkers. Standing out as a valuable employee not only helps you earn a raise, it can open doors to career growth, job security, and personal fulfillment. Becoming indispensable to your employer isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, aligning your efforts with the company’s goals, and consistently demonstrating your worth.
Here’s a practical guide to increasing your value at work, with actionable steps you can start implementing today.
Understand Your Company’s Goals and Priorities
To be truly valuable, you need to align your work with what matters most to your employer. Take time to understand your company’s mission, vision, and current objectives. Are they focused on increasing revenue, improving customer satisfaction, or streamlining operations? Knowing this helps you prioritize tasks that directly contribute to those goals.
Actionable Steps:
Ask questions: In team meetings or one-on-ones, inquire about the company’s short- and long-term priorities.
Read up: Review company reports, strategic plans, or public communications (e.g., investor updates or press releases) to grasp the bigger picture.
Align your work: Frame your contributions in terms of how they support key objectives. For example, if customer retention is a priority, focus on delivering exceptional service or suggesting process improvements.
Example: If your company is pushing for digital transformation, volunteer to learn a new tool or platform that supports that initiative, like mastering a CRM system or analyzing data to improve decision-making.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Employers value employees who bring expertise that is relevant to the company’s needs. Stay ahead by continuously developing skills that are in demand, both within your role and in the broader industry. This could mean technical skills (e.g., data analysis, coding) or soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).
Actionable Steps:
Identify skill gaps: Look at job descriptions for roles similar to yours or ask your manager which skills would make you more effective.
Invest in learning: Take online courses (platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy are great), attend workshops, or earn certifications relevant to your field.
Apply your skills: Find opportunities to use your new skills on the job, whether through a special project or by improving an existing process.
Example: If your company uses data to drive decisions, learning basic Excel functions or a tool like Tableau can make you a go-to person for insights, increasing your value.
Take Initiative and Solve Problems
Valuable employees don’t wait for instructions—they proactively identify challenges and propose solutions. Being a problem-solver shows you are invested in the company’s success and can be trusted to handle responsibilities.
Actionable Steps:
Spot inefficiencies: Look for processes, tools, or workflows that could be improved and suggest actionable fixes.
Volunteer for challenges: Offer to lead a project, tackle a tough client issue, or streamline a task that others avoid.
Think ahead: Anticipate potential roadblocks in your team’s work and propose ways to address them before they become problems.
Example: If your team struggles with meeting deadlines due to poor task tracking, propose adopting a project management tool like Trello, or Asana and offer to set it up.
Build Strong Relationships
Your value isn’t just about what you do but how you work with others. Building strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders fosters collaboration and makes you a trusted team member.
Actionable Steps:
Communicate effectively: Be clear, concise, and respectful in emails, meetings, and conversations.
Support your team: Offer help to colleagues, share credit for successes, and foster a positive work environment.
Network internally: Get to know people in other departments to understand their roles and how you can support cross-functional goals.
Example: If a coworker is overwhelmed, offer to take on a small task or share a resource that could help them, building goodwill and strengthening team dynamics.
Deliver Consistent, High-Quality Work
Reliability is a cornerstone of value. Employers prize employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations, deliver on time, and maintain high standards.
Actionable Steps:
Set clear goals: Break down large tasks into manageable steps and track your progress to stay on target.
Pay attention to detail: Double-check your work to avoid errors that could cost time or resources.
Seek feedback: Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your manager or peers to improve your performance.
Example: If you’re tasked with preparing a report, ensure it’s error-free, visually clear, and submitted early, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.
Be Adaptable and Embrace Change
Workplaces evolve—new technologies, strategies, or market conditions can shift priorities overnight. Employees who adapt quickly and embrace change are invaluable because they help the company stay agile.
Actionable Steps:
Stay open-minded: Approach new processes or tools with curiosity rather than resistance.
Learn quickly: Take the lead in mastering new systems or workflows, and share your knowledge with others.
Show resilience: Handle setbacks or unexpected changes with a positive attitude and focus on solutions.
Example: If your company adopts a new software platform, take the initiative to learn it early and help train your team, positioning yourself as a resource.
Communicate Your Value
It’s not enough to do great work—you need to make sure your contributions are visible (without being boastful). Employers often notice employees who can articulate their impact.
Actionable Steps:
Track your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, such as projects completed, savings generated, or positive feedback received.
Share updates: In performance reviews or check-ins, highlight specific ways you have contributed to team or company goals.
Be proactive in meetings: Share ideas, insights, or progress updates to demonstrate your engagement.
Example: During a performance review, say, “I streamlined our reporting process, which saved the team 5 hours a week and improved data accuracy by 20%,” to quantify your impact.
Stay Positive and Professional
A positive attitude and professional demeanor make you a pleasure to work with, which enhances your value. Employers appreciate employees who inspire others and maintain composure under pressure.
Actionable Steps:
Stay solution-focused: Even when challenges arise, focus on what can be done rather than dwell on problems.
Show gratitude: Acknowledge others’ contributions and express appreciation for opportunities.
Handle conflict gracefully: Address disagreements calmly and constructively to maintain a positive work environment.
Example: If a project hits a snag, instead of complaining, say, “Let’s brainstorm a few ways to get this back on track,” showing leadership and optimism.
Mentor and Support Others
Helping your colleagues grow not only strengthens the team but also positions you as a leader, even if you’re not in a formal leadership role. Employers value employees who elevate those around them.
Actionable Steps:
Share knowledge: Offer to train a new hire or share tips with a struggling colleague.
Be a team player: Celebrate others’ successes and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Lead by example: Model the behaviors and work ethic you want to see in others.
Example: If a new team member is struggling with a task, spend 15 minutes walking them through it or sharing a helpful resource, showing you’re invested in the team’s success.
Stay Committed to Growth
Valuable employees never stop growing. Commit to continuous self-improvement, both in your role and as a professional, to stay relevant and impactful.
Actionable Steps:
Set personal goals: Identify one or two areas for growth each quarter, such as improving public speaking or mastering a new tool.
Seek mentorship: Connect with a mentor or manager who can guide your career development.
Stay curious: Read industry blogs, attend webinars, or follow thought leaders on platforms like X to stay informed about trends.
Example: Follow industry leaders on X to learn about emerging trends in your field, then share a relevant insight with your team to spark discussion.
Final Thoughts
Being more valuable to your employer is about aligning your efforts with their goals, continuously improving yourself, and making a positive impact on your team and organization. By taking initiative, building skills, and developing strong relationships, you’ll not only increase your worth but also create a more rewarding work experience for yourself.
Start small—pick one or two of these steps to focus on this week. Over time, these efforts will compound, making you an indispensable asset to your employer and setting you up for long-term career success.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a gift!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
Research shows that people frequently give up just moments before they would have achieved the success they had been working for. I remember a restaurant in Minneapolis that went out of business in 2014. They had been a business for a while, 99 years and 9 months to be exact. Just three months more and they would have been in business for 100 years. It would have been an amazing accomplishment.
I was so surprised by this news that I went to talk with the owners to find out why they couldn’t persevere for just a few more months. They actually had very sound and well-grounded business reasons for their decision. So many food trucks had popped up in their neighborhood that they just couldn’t make money anymore. They felt like they were throwing good money after bad.
While it was a logical decision, a part of me still felt like, screw the money, go for 100 years.
But they were smart people; they had persevered for over 99 years. Instead of making the emotional decision that I would have made, they made a good business decision. Lots of people are like me; we make emotional decisions, and often, those decisions prevent us from succeeding when success is literally right around the corner.
We, almost all of us at times, lack perseverance.
Perseverance is the quiet force that turns dreams into reality. It’s the grit that keeps us moving forward when obstacles loom large, the resolve that pushes us to rise after every fall, and the unwavering commitment to our goals despite setbacks. In a world that often celebrates instant success, perseverance reminds us that true achievement is a marathon, not a sprint. This blog post explores why perseverance matters, how it shapes success, and practical ways to cultivate it in our lives.
Why Perseverance Matters
At its core, perseverance is about staying the course when things get tough. Life is rarely a straight path to success—whether you’re chasing a career goal, building a business, or working on personal growth, challenges are inevitable. Perseverance is what separates those who succeed from those who give up. It’s the difference between a half-finished novel and a published book, or a failed startup and a thriving company.
Consider the story of Thomas Edison, who famously conducted thousands of experiments before perfecting the light bulb. Each failure was a lesson, not a defeat. Or think of J.K. Rowling, who faced countless rejections before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. These icons didn’t possess superhuman talent or luck—they had perseverance. They kept going, refining their craft, learning from mistakes, and refusing to let setbacks define them.
Perseverance isn’t just about grand achievements. It’s also the daily grind: the student who studies through exhaustion, the athlete who trains despite injury, or the parent who balances work and family through sheer determination. It’s the ability to keep showing up, day after day, even when the results aren’t immediate.
The Science Behind Perseverance
Research backs up the power of perseverance. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, argues that grit—a combination of passion and perseverance—is a stronger predictor of success than talent or IQ. Her studies show that individuals who persist through challenges, maintain long-term goals, and stay committed despite adversity are more likely to achieve their ambitions.
Neuroscience also sheds light on why perseverance works. When we push through difficulties, our brains adapt, strengthening neural pathways associated with resilience and problem-solving. This process, known as neuroplasticity, means that perseverance not only helps us achieve specific goals but also makes us better equipped to handle future challenges. Each time we choose to keep going, we’re training our brains to thrive under pressure.
How Perseverance Shapes Success
1. It Builds Resilience: Perseverance teaches us to bounce back from failure. Each setback becomes a stepping stone, helping us develop the emotional strength to face future hurdles.
2. It Fosters Growth: Challenges force us to learn, adapt, and improve. Perseverance ensures we don’t shy away from the discomfort of growth, whether it’s mastering a new skill or overcoming personal limitations.
3. It Cultivates Confidence: Every small victory earned through persistence boosts self-belief. Over time, these wins compound, creating a sense of capability that fuels further effort.
4. It Inspires Others: Perseverance is contagious. When we push through adversity, we show others what’s possible, motivating them to pursue their own goals with tenacity.
Cultivating Perseverance in Your Life
While some people may seem naturally gritty, perseverance is a skill that can be developed. Here are practical ways to harness its power:
1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you’re working toward and why it matters. A strong sense of purpose fuels perseverance. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum.
2. Embrace Failure as Feedback: Reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn. Ask yourself, “What can I do differently next time?” instead of dwelling on what went wrong.
3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you. A mentor, friend, or community can provide perspective and motivation when the going gets tough.
4. Practice Self-Discipline: Perseverance often requires doing what is necessary, even when you do not feel like it. Create routines, eliminate distractions, and focus on consistent effort over time.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Recognizing milestones keeps you motivated and reminds you that every step forward counts.
6. Stay Flexible: Perseverance doesn’t mean stubbornly sticking to one path. Be willing to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to approach your goals when circumstances change.
7. Take Care of Yourself: Physical and mental well-being are crucial for sustained effort. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management to maintain the energy needed to persevere.
Real-Life Examples of Perseverance
To illustrate the power of perseverance, let’s look at a well-known modern example:
Elon Musk: Before SpaceX and Tesla became household names, Musk faced near bankruptcy, technical failures, and intense criticism. His relentless pursuit of his vision—despite multiple rocket explosions and financial struggles—led to groundbreaking innovations in space travel and electric vehicles.
Everyday Heroes: Think of the single parent working two jobs to provide for their family, or the small business owner navigating economic uncertainty. These unsung stories of perseverance remind us that grit exists in all walks of life.
Overcoming the Temptation to Quit
There will be moments when giving up feels like the easier option. Doubt, fatigue, and frustration can erode even the strongest resolve. When this happens, remind yourself why you started. Revisit your goals, reflect on how far you’ve come, and focus on the next small step. Sometimes, perseverance means simply refusing to quit today.
It’s also worth noting that perseverance doesn’t mean blindly pushing forward at all costs. Knowing when to rest, reassess, or seek help is just as important as staying the course. Perseverance is about balance—knowing when to grind and when to pivot.
The Ripple Effect of Perseverance
Perseverance doesn’t just transform individual lives; it creates a ripple effect. When you persevere, you inspire others to do the same. Your determination can motivate a colleague to tackle a tough project, encourage a friend to pursue their passion, or show your children the value of hard work. In a world full of challenges, perseverance is a beacon of hope, proving that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.
Final Thoughts
The power of perseverance lies in its ability to transform obstacles into opportunities, failures into lessons, and dreams into reality. It’s not about being the smartest, the strongest, or the luckiest—it’s about showing up, day after day, with the courage to keep going. By setting clear goals, embracing setbacks, and nurturing resilience, we can all harness the strength of perseverance to achieve our greatest aspirations.
So, the next time you face a challenge, remember: perseverance isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting up one more time than you fall. That’s where the magic happens. Keep going. Keep going. Always keep going.
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Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
If you’re a golf fan, then odds are you’ve watched golf on TV or maybe even attended a tournament or two. Just imagine watching your favorite player bombing a drive down the middle of the fairway and then hitting their approach shot within a foot of—a foot of nothing because there was no hole on the green. Nothing to shoot for, no way to finish the hole, no point in playing at all.
That seems foolish, doesn’t it? Putting all that work in to master hitting a golf ball long and straight. Then practicing endlessly to control the ball so you can stop it on the putting surface. And then…and then there is no then.
It’s like baseball with the base. Basketball without the basket. Football without the ball. And it’s like life without goals.
Now imagine waking up each day with a clear sense of purpose, knowing exactly what you’re working toward in your career, relationships, health, and personal growth. How cool would that be? That’s the magic of setting goals—not just in one area, but across every area of your life.
Goals are your roadmap, guiding you through the chaos of daily demands and helping you build a life that’s balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your core values. It’s just a whole lot easier to keep going when things get tough when you know exactly where it is that you’re going to end up.
Having true goals is absolutely transformative. They transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. Here’s how.
1. Goals Give You Clarity and Direction
Life can feel like a mishmash of responsibilities, distractions, unexpected and sometimes, unending challenges. Without goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, reacting to whatever comes your way. Setting goals in areas like career, health, relationships, finances, and personal development gives you a North Star to follow. They help you define what success looks like for you—whether it’s landing a dream job, running a marathon, or deepening your connection with loved ones.
For example, a career goal might be to earn a promotion within two years, while a personal goal could be to read one book a month for self-growth. These targets provide clarity, so you’re not just “going through the motions” but actively steering your life toward meaningful outcomes.
It is amazing how many people can’t easily define what success means to them, that’s the telltale sign they lack true goals.
2. They Create Balance Across Your Life
Focusing on just one area—like pouring all your energy into work—can leave other parts of your life neglected, leading to burnout, strained relationships, or declining health. Goals in multiple areas encourage balance. By setting intentions for physical fitness (e.g., exercising three times a week), mental well-being (e.g., practicing mindfulness daily), and relationships (e.g., scheduling weekly family time), you ensure that no part of your life is left behind.
Think of your life like a wheel, with spokes representing health, career, relationships, spirituality, and more. If one spoke is missing or weak, the wheel wobbles. Setting clear goals keeps the wheel turning smoothly, helping you live a well-rounded life.
3. Goals Fuel Motivation and Progress
There’s something super motivating about working towards something you’re passionate about. Goals give you a reason to get out of bed, even on tough days. They break down big dreams into manageable steps, making progress feel achievable. For instance, if your financial goal is to save $10,000 for a home down payment, you can create smaller milestones, like saving $500 a month. Each step forward builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
This applies to every area of life. A health goal to lose 20 pounds becomes less daunting when you focus on eating more vegetables daily. A relationship goal to reconnect with friends feels doable when you commit to one coffee date a month. These small wins keep you motivated and remind you that progress is possible.
4. They Help You Prioritize and Manage Time
Time is limited, and without clear goals, it’s easy to waste it on distractions or obligations that do nothing for you. When you have goals across different areas, you’re forced to prioritize. You start saying “no” to things that don’t align with your vision and “yes” to what moves you closer to your goals.
For example, if you’re aiming to improve your mental health by journaling nightly, you might cut back on mindless scrolling. If your career goal is to learn a new skill, you’ll carve out time for online courses instead of overcommitting to social events. Goals act like a filter, helping you allocate your time and efforts wisely.
5. Goals Foster Resilience and Growth
Life isn’t a straight path—setbacks, failures, and obstacles are inevitable. Goals give you something to hold onto during tough times. They remind you why you’re pushing forward, whether it’s to build a stronger body, a thriving business, or a closer family. Even when you hit a snag, working towards a goal is like a superpower that teaches you resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Plus, pursuing goals in diverse areas encourages personal growth. A spiritual goal to practice gratitude might deepen your perspective, while a creative goal to write a book could unlock hidden talents. Each goal is like a stepping stone, helping you grow into a more awesome, capable version of yourself!
6. They Align Your Life with Your Values
At their core, goals are about living intentionally. When you set them thoughtfully across all areas—career, health, relationships, finances, personal growth, and beyond—they reflect what matters most to you. This alignment gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s hard to find otherwise.
For instance, if family is a core value, a goal to have weekly game nights ensures you’re investing in those bonds. If independence drives you, a financial goal to pay off debt puts you on that path.
Without goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, swayed by external pressures or fleeting whims. Goals anchor you to your values, ensuring your life reflects who you are and what you stand for.
How to Start Setting Goals in All Areas
Ready to unlock the full potential of goal-setting? Here’s a super easy way to do it:
1.Reflect on Key Areas: Consider categories like health, career, relationships, finances, personal growth, spirituality, and hobbies. Ask yourself, “What would make this area of my life feel more fulfilling?”
2. Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of “getting fit,” aim for “walking 30 minutes five days a week for three months.”
3. Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with dozens of goals. Pick one or two per area to focus on, ensuring they’re realistic and meaningful.
4. Track and Adjust: Review your progress regularly—weekly or monthly—and tweak your goals as needed. Life changes, and your goals should evolve with it.
5. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small. Rewarding yourself reinforces motivation and makes the journey enjoyable.
The Ripple Effect of True Goals
When you set goals in all areas of life, they start to work together like a well-oiled machine! A health goal to sleep better boosts your energy for work. A career goal to network more introduces you to friends who enrich your social life. A personal growth goal to practice patience strengthens your relationships. This interconnectedness creates a positive ripple effect, where progress in one area lifts the others too.
Goals aren’t only about reaching objectives; they’re about becoming the best version of yourself. They give you a roadmap to live a purposeful, balanced, and joyful life. So begin today to dream big and plan out what you want in every aspect of your life. Your future self will most definitely thank you!
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Considersupporting my efforts with a donation!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
When I’m wearing my mentor hat, one of the questions I’m often asked is, “How do I ask for a raise?” I’ll let the person asking the question know that I have some good ideas on that subject. But I also tell them that determining how to ask for a raise depends mightily on whether or not they have earned a raise.
A surprisingly high percentage of people are puzzled by my response. Incredibly (at least to me) the concept of earning a raise actually hadn’t occurred to many of them. They wanted to ask for a raise because they needed a raise.
They had outspent their income and were now expecting their employer to fix that for them. As you might imagine, many of the people who asked me how to ask for a raise were disappointed with this entire conversation.
But not all.
Some asked what they could do to earn a raise. My immediate response was, “strengthen your work ethic.” It didn’t matter how good they thought their work ethic was; if they wanted to earn more, they would need to do more to get it. That’s a pretty basic concept, but it doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.
A strong work ethic isn’t just important when asking for a raise; it is crucial for personal, professional, and societal success. Here are the key reasons why.
1. Personal Development
Discipline and Responsibility: A strong work ethic fosters self-discipline, helping individuals stay committed to their goals and responsibilities.
Self-Respect: Achieving goals through hard work builds confidence and pride in one’s abilities.
Time Management: It encourages the effective use of time, balancing tasks, and reducing procrastination.
2. Professional Growth
Reliability: Employers value individuals who consistently meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
Career Advancement: Hardworking individuals are more likely to be recognized, promoted, and trusted with leadership roles.
Skill Development: Regular dedication to tasks helps sharpen skills and gain expertise.
3. Building Relationships
Trust: A strong work ethic makes one dependable in personal and professional relationships.
Teamwork: Hardworking individuals inspire and motivate colleagues, enhancing collaboration.
Reputation: A good work ethic builds a positive reputation, opening doors to new opportunities.
4. Contributing to Society
Economic Productivity: People with a strong work ethic drive innovation and efficiency, benefiting the economy.
Cultural Influence: They set an example for others, promoting values like perseverance and responsibility.
Community Well-Being: By contributing their skills and efforts, they help build stronger, more resilient communities.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
Handling Challenges: Hardworking individuals are better equipped to face and overcome obstacles.
Consistency: They maintain their efforts even in difficult times, ensuring steady progress.
Ultimately, a strong work ethic is a cornerstone for achieving goals, maintaining integrity, and contributing positively to the world around us. So our next post will focus on “the how” of building a strong work ethic. One that will carry you through the challenging times we all face once in a while.
It’ll be worth your time… I guarantee it. 🙂
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