Spirit of Tenacity

By: Robert Prentice
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:40:32
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Sticking to it...Never, never quit!...When the goin' gets tough the tough get goin'...Persistence pays--phrases I have heard my entire life, and so, so much easier said than done. Over the past 19 years as a business owner, I have often reflected back on our early years in business. Those were the days, when the power and light company shut off our lights because I couldn't afford to pay the bill, that we now so fondly refer to as the "dark ages." I remember back then it was challenging enough just to put groceries on the table. It was during those difficult days, when I felt most like giving up, that I made a decision that I was not going to let the tough times beat me. Somehow, I would succeed.

Growing up, my dad had taught us kids to work hard (and I mean really work hard!) I knew for a fact that I could depend on this attitude of working hard, but it was not going to be enough. I was going to have to work smart, too. What do I mean by working smart? At first, I had my plans and dreams (mostly in my head), but then I learned that in order to work smarter, I needed to put these plans down in writing. As I shared last week in my article Are You Ready?, having a written plan helps us to be ready to make the most of opportunities that come our way. A written plan can also help us to have a Spirit of Tenacity-that quality of holding fast to our dreams, goals and desires, being unwilling to quit or let go or give up, and sticking to it even when all indications seem to say "Quit."

I read my plans everyday–sometimes several times a day–which gives me the catalyst to achieve my dreams. I can visualize success in my mind's eye. Last week I made in one hour what it use to take me a month, or more, to earn. I believe this is a result of the planning I did in the dark, dark days.

It has been my written plans that have helped me to hang in there, reminding me why I was doing what I was doing, and keeping me from giving in to the temptation to quit in the difficult times.

If we are to succeed, we must press on. We must possess a Spirit of Tenacity. I encourage you to let your dreams take you far, and when the going gets rough and tough, roll up your sleeves and grab a pencil and start planning. This is a powerful tool to help you to be tenacious in life, whatever you set out to do.

©2002 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice of Professional Developments Systems has spent the last twenty years bringing inspiration and motivation to business owners as well as their employees. For more information visit his website at http://www.mattitudespeaks.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Positive Attitude category

  • The Turning Point - By: Samm J. Bogner
    Have you ever wondered why you are on the planet? Have you turned up empty in your search for answers? Maybe Albert can help you in your journey.
  • Creating the Space of Having - By: Sheevaun Moran
    Remember to cut back on your negative words and abundance will arrive in unexpected ways. Create the space of having by giving to a local charity or place where you get healing, help, guidance or friendship.
  • Lesson's from Life - By: Angelique Ellerman
    Life is full of lessons. We all learn our lessons at different times depending on what fate throws our way. Wisdom is in each of us regardless of our age and each of us has a unique take on how life should be lived. Here are a few of life's lessons I've learned along the way and would like to share in the hopes of helping others. This in no way covers everything as life has many lessons and no one person can know everything, but it's a start.
  • The Value Of Martial Arts Training - By: Damian Ross
    I was talking to a parent recently and they told me that their son was not going to compete in wrestling because they were afraid he would get frustrated when he lost. The parent felt the child was far too sensitive to handle the frustration of failure and may get 'burnt out'.
  • The World's Best Kept Secert - By: Gary Zalben
    There is a force that can discover treasures and uncover hidden riches of which we never envisioned. There is a power that we can call upon to give us...
  • Living with Roommates - By: Zack Fair
    Living with roommates, for many young adults, is a rite of passage. Growing up you live in your parent's home and abide by their rules and curfews. Once you are in your own place, you don't have anyone but yourself to report to and this can be a very enlightening and frightening time.
  • Busting the Top Retirement Myths - By: Cynthia Barnett
    There are many myths about retirement. In this surprising article, a renowned retirement lifestyle expert debunks five of the top retirement myths and helps you capitalize on the truth.
  • We Are Always a Work in Progress - By: Beth McCain
    We are continually a work in progress with the Law of Attraction.
  • Hypnosis: 6 Secret Tips to Stay Young Forever - By: Pradeep Aggarwal
    We all live in an age that belongs to the young at heart. Life that is becoming extremely fast, day to day, also asks us to remain physically young. Young at heart, young in mind and young in your body has become the principle of survival.
  • Focus On What You Want In Life - By: Doug Allan Dammeier
    Learn to 'shift' your thoughts, feelings, and actions to a mindset of 'abundance.'