Learn Two Important Success Factors of Great Leaders
There are many success factors or characteristics of great business leaders. I would like to focus on two that are high on the list—persistence and determination.
Persistence and Determination
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, said this about persistence and determination.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Two Success Factors of Great Leaders
I agree with Coolidge. I believe success in life and business are influenced by persistence and determination. It's always the last 10 yards that are the hardest. It's always the extra effort that helps you discover your real potential. It's the storm before the calm that makes the sunshine meaningful. It's moving forward when others doubt you that you'll find success. It's always finishing, no matter what, that makes the great champions. So many people come so close only to lose the prize because of the lack of persistence and determination.
Since persistence and determination are important characteristics of successful leaders. I thought it would be fun to define what they mean.
Persistence:
- Refusing to give up or let go
- Insistently repetitive or continuous
- Existing or remaining in the same state for an indefinitely long time; enduring tenaciously
- Lasting without falling off
- Retained permanently, rather than disappearing in a early stage
- Occurring without interruption
Determination:
- Firmness of purpose; resolve
- Resoluteness
- Never giving up, never
- Unshakeable resolution to finish
- Controlling the outcome
- Fixed and firmly held
Now, let's apply the above characteristics to your current situation in business or life. What are you currently working on that will require an unshakeable resolution to finish? What business or life goal will require you to be insistently repetitive or continuous? What is something you feel is out of control in your life and needs to be fixed by controlling the outcome? These are just a few examples of applying persistence and determination to your life. You can quickly see how important these characteristics will be to your success. I believe is starts by telling yourself that you can do it. Then its time to move forward, press on, and solve problems that will stand in your way. Remember what Coolidge said, "The slogan" press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."
Press on with persistence and determination.
#nevergiveup