Tag Never Quit

The Power of Perseverance: Turning Dreams into Reality

Steve Keating 1 Comment

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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Why Quitting is a Bad Idea

Steve Keating 4 Comments

I’ve been fortunate to know many successful people. They come from all walks of life, many different cultures, backgrounds, and industries. Many of them report one particular similarity in their journeys to success. That similarity is that they faced a myriad of challenges and obstacles on their individual journey to success.

Some of the challenges were severe enough that they felt like quitting. Some of them say they had that feeling multiple times along the way. And yet, they managed to pull themselves up from the depths of despair and push their way forward.

They persevered.

That perseverance nearly always resulted in ultimate success. Many times that success was right around the corner from their lowest point in the journey. It was that one final extra push that put them over the top.

But there are also many people I’ve met who just couldn’t muster that final extra push. Rather than persevere they packed it in. They quit. And then they wondered, sometimes for years, what might have been if they had continued on.

When you feel like quitting, it’s important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and they don’t define your ultimate success. Here’s how to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.

Remember Your Why. Reconnect with the reasons why you started in the first place. What are your goals? What motivates you? Keeping your purpose in mind can reignite your passion and determination. Re-dream the dream. You began your journey based on a dream. Dream that dream anew…even if you have to dream it every day.

Break it Down. Sometimes, the journey ahead can seem overwhelming. Break your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on taking one step at a time, celebrating each small victory along the way. Never forget that all progress is progress. Even a tiny step is better than no step at all. Celebrate it!

Seek Support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, mentors, or colleagues when you’re feeling discouraged. Talking to others can provide perspective, encouragement, and new ideas for overcoming obstacles. But, make sure you’re talking with the right people. Select people who truly care for you and want you to succeed. Stay away from the nattering nabobs of negativism.

Visualize Success. Imagine yourself achieving your goals. Visualizing success can help you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges. Someone smarter than me once said if you can see it you can do it. I believe that is true.

Practice Self-Compassion. Be kind to yourself, especially when things aren’t going as planned. There will be plenty of things, and perhaps people, willing to beat you down. There is no need to add your own negative thoughts to the list. Instead, acknowledge your efforts and progress, and don’t be too hard on yourself for setbacks. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in a similar situation.

Adjust Your Approach. If what you’re doing isn’t working, it may be time to try a different approach. Stay flexible and open-minded, and be willing to adapt your strategy as needed. Sometimes, the fastest way forward is to take a step or two backwards in order to get a different perspective.

Focus on the Present. Instead of dwelling on past failures or worrying about future obstacles, focus on the present moment. What can you do right now to move closer to your goals? If you’re “stuck” then just consider what the next “right thing” to do is. No matter how small a thing it may be it’s still progress and it’s still creating momentum towards your ultimate goal.

Find Inspiration. Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether it’s reading success stories, listening to motivational Ted Talks, or spending time doing something fun. Draw strength from the achievements of others and let them inspire you to keep going.

Remember that It’s Okay to Rest. Sometimes, pushing through isn’t the best option. It’s important to listen to your body and mind. Taking a break to recharge can give you the energy and clarity you need to tackle challenges with renewed vigor.

By implementing these strategies and staying resilient, you can overcome obstacles and continue making progress towards your goals, even when the temptation to quit is strong.

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If It’s Worth Doing Then It’s Worth Doing Poorly

Steve Keating 1 Comment

“Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.” Those words were penned by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, in a letter to his son back in 1774.

The 4th Earl of Chesterfield knew was he was talking about. There is no purpose in doing anything worth doing unless you intend to do it well. 

At least eventually. 

Successful people are willing to do something poorly until they can do it well. Often very well. There was a kid who lived in North Carolina and loved basketball. He wanted to play for his high school team. He gave a mighty effort to make the team but he wasn’t good enough. The sophomore at Laney High School didn’t make the varsity team, instead he was sent to the Junior Varsity to develop more. 

He was told that his shooting was okay but his defense was mediocre. Plus, he wasn’t nearly tall enough at 15 years old to be guaranteed a spot on the team. He went home after hearing the news and cried alone in his bedroom.

Lots of people would have given up at that point. He could easily have been one of them. He could have decided to switch sports and give his second favorite sport, baseball, a try. But he persisted. He was willing to play basketball poorly until he could play it well. 

He worked and worked. Made bad shot after bad shot, until most of his shots weren’t that bad. He worked especially on his defense. He began to enjoy denying other people the opportunity to make a shot almost as much as he enjoyed making his own. Oh, and he grew a bunch too. 

But it was his willingness to play poorly (keep in mind “poorly” is a relative term) until he could play well (well is a relative term too) that made him into the player he turned out to be. He became a good enough player that he actually played for a bit in the National Basketball Association. He even contributed to his team winning some games. 

Less successful people often give up when they are right on the cusp of making most of their shots. They become demoralized with doing something poorly so they stop trying. They likely have a lot of “help” in becoming demoralized as the people around them continue to reinforce the notion they that aren’t very good. 

If you want great success then you must be willing to do something poorly until you improve enough to do it well. Few people succeed on their first attempt. 

But, here’s the caveat. You must be honest with yourself while attempting to move from a poor performance to a great performance. You must have some form of measurement in place to objectively evaluate whether or not you are making progress. Once you objectively make that determination you’ll know what to do. 

But whatever you do, don’t quit. Perhaps stop trying to make the basketball team and go out for the debate team. Trying something else is NOT quitting. It is redirecting your efforts to an area where your chances of success are greater. That’s called being strategic.

Oh by the way…that high school basketball player who couldn’t make the varsity…his name is Michael Jordan. You can Google him if you’re interested in knowing more about the guy many people consider the GOAT. 

Are You Persistent Enough to Succeed?

Steve Keating 5 Comments

Almost all successful people, actually let’s get rid of the “almost” and say “ALL” successful people have one trait in common…they didn’t quit. They may have stopped once or twice, they may have gone backwards a time or two and fallen down fairly often. But they starting moving again, made up lost ground and picked themselves up (often with help) and persevered

 

There are plenty of examples of famous people who overcame severe obstacles on their journey to ultimate success. Abraham Lincoln failed in business, lost numerous elections and his sweetheart, and had a nervous breakdown. But he never quit. He kept on trying and became, according to many, our greatest president. 

 

Dr. Seuss’ first children’s book was rejected by 23 publishers.   

 

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.  

 

Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he finally succeeded.  

 

Franklin D. Roosevelt was struck by polio but he never quit.   

 

Helen Keller, totally deaf and blind, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College, and went on to become a famous author and lecturer.

 

There are many more stories of well known people who overcame multiple hurdles to succeed. Even more impressive are the millions of stories about ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things through perseverance. What those millions of stories prove is that success can be achieved by anyone, literally anyone. That includes you! 

 

I love the story about the high school basketball coach who was attempting to motivate his players to persevere through a difficult season. Halfway through the season he stood before the team and said, “Did Michael Jordan ever quit?” The team responded, “No!” He yelled, “What about the Wright brothers? Did they ever give up?” “No!” hollered back the team. “Did Muhammad Ali ever quit?” Again the team yelled, “No!” “Did Elmer McAllister ever quit?” There was a long silence. Finally one player was bold enough to ask, “Who’s Elmer McAllister? We never heard of him.” The coach snapped back, “Of course you never heard of him — he quit!”

 

Quitting is easy, it’s also very habit forming. Successful people have made a habit of doing the things that less successful people simply don’t like to do. Less successful people quit, the most successful people wouldn’t even consider it. 

 

If you’re tempted to quit, or even give less than your best effort, think about the goal that motivated you to begin in the first place. Re-dream that dream and then keep going. 

 

If that doesn’t motivate you to keep pushing forward, then think about Elmer McAllister.


Now get to work!

Don’t Quit

Steve Keating 4 Comments

Do you want to succeed? Then don’t quit! There you have the most well known “secret” to success….you can’t be beat if you refuse to quit.

 

It seems so obvious but it’s amazing how many people actually do quit and they quit within site of their ultimate of success. Perhaps they were doing such a good job of “keeping their head down” that they just couldn’t see it but it was there none the less. They only needed to keep moving forward and they would have found their success. But they quit instead.

 

You can’t be beat if you never quit. No matter how “down” you are you still have a chance if you don’t give up. 

 

Look the world over and you won’t find a successful person who quit. They may have slowed down, they may have even stopped for a time, they may have backed up, they may have had an interim failure or two or three but they tried again. Every single one of them.

 

A common trait of successful people is that when tempted to quit they remember why they started. They “re-dream” their dream and often times that alone is enough to motivate them to continue. Other times they call on their support network; family, friends, or mentors to provide them with the courage and encouragement they need to press on. 

 

Two things seem certain when it comes to your success: only you can make the decision to quit and only you can make the decision not to.  


Never expect success to come easy but know without a doubt that when you quit, it doesn’t come at all.