The Key to Success

Is it Genius? Talent? Education? Not according to this successful chap: 

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.  

Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.  

Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.  

Education will not, the world is full of educational derelicts. 

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. 

The slogan “Press On” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race” 

(Calvin Coolidge, 30th US President 1923-29) 

Persistence and determination, (or persistence and resilience as I prefer to call it) – our ability to keep going no matter what, to bounce back no matter how many times we fall, are two of the most fruitful success traits we can leverage. 

And I say leverage, not learn, because they’re not new to us – persistence and resilience are part of our human design. But we forget we have them, and cover them up with the noise of scary thinking and discouragement. I know I certainly do at times. 

Q: Where have YOU given up, or held yourself back to avoid experiencing fear and discouragement? 

What to do about fear and discouragement? 

We give up because we fear failure, fear success, and fear what people will think of us when we fail or succeed. So we discourage ourselves, and that natural ability to persist and be resilient, is over ridden by these louder thoughts.   

So we give up, or hold ourselves back, thinking those feelings of fear and discouragement come from our circumstances and the results we are trying to create. 

When we see fear and discouragement don’t come from our circumstances or results but from our own thinking, there’s no reason to avoid challenges, or try not to make mistakes which would stop us learning. We “Press On” towards our mission because there's no reason not to.  

And when we don’t stop ourselves, and we bounce back with ease, It’s amazing what we can create out there in the world. 

A second quote I love in this space: 

 “It’s easier to get back on a horse than to avoid falling off it” 

(Linda Pransky) 

When we’re not avoiding the risk of falling off the horse, because we know we can just get back on it, it’s very easy to stay in the game, keep moving forward and become discouragement-proof. 

That’s the key to success! 

So, three questions for you: 

Q1. Where in your life/work can you celebrate persistence and resilience? 

Q2. Where have thoughts of fear and discouragement stopped or held you back from pressing on with your mission? 

Q3. Where would less scary thinking and discouragement, and more awareness of your innate persistence and resilience be a game changer for you? 

Reach out, I’d love to know! 

If you’d love to be discouragement-proof and reach new heights of success, then I’d love to talk and I’ve got your back.  

Successfully Yours,

Mehalah

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Mehalah Beckett is a coach, consultant and trusted advisor passionate about people, the planet and empowering others to inspire positive change. She coaches purpose-driven leaders to impossible goals, hosts MasterMinds for hungry entrepreneurs and guides businesses through B-Corp. What can I help you achieve over the next year?