Introspection Time with JBM
Years back, I recall observing mum with keenness as she tendered her rice field several kilometers from our home in Luanshya, with all the passion she had. This was to be one of her projects to be developed as a potential source of income and general survival for her single-orphaned children.
Determined to teach her young on how rice is grown, managed and harvested, it became apparent that distance from our residence was not enough to discourage her. This became a tangible and formidable source of supporting her children to school.
Here we are now, independent and self-reliant and can brag about her with all the pride! Persistence is what I noted ran through her blood all the way.
Persistence is an act of continuing in a course of action despite the difficulty, challenge or opposition along the way. In most pursuits of life, it has been studied and affirmed that among the various features of successful people, persistence remains the underlying principle.
Is it not shocking that even as you commenced that business, you had dreams and ideas of how you would grow and expand, only to come face to face with obstacles? In your education pursuit, you realise your completion of that program or course has taken you years due to unforeseen circumstances.
How about that construction project which has almost stalled and seemingly no life left, do you think there is hope to resurrect and revive it?
The truth is that breakthrough to anything that has come to a standstill or slow progression beyond what you imagined is dependent on your ability to move on. Your ability to carry on despite the hurdles and valleys faced. It is about your ability to never easily give up, but remain confident and stone convinced in your dream.
When faced with challenges, failure, disappointment and all, the temptation to give up is always high and many times justifiable. However, the need to persist and push on beyond your comfort zone is what normally yields results.
Whatever situation you might be going through, always remember that there is someone who has been going through much worse. But they are on the lane of success simply because they chose to remain persistent.
It is about time to develop a mind-set that remains optimistic and tough in the face of vicious deflators of life if we were to cross over. This is what propels you to remain persistent, a virtual of life that often attracts success.
Even when you are so much under pressure, it is the determination to continue moving forward when everyone has stopped, that distinguishes you.
Robin Sharma once said it is in the struggle that we remain alive. It is in the face of fear, doubt, danger and uncertainty that we have the chance to test our wisest, bravest and biggest selves. Meaning paralysis can actually be turned into results if you embrace persistence in what you do.
With persistency you can be more relevant to building a world that is brighter.
Quote:
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Persistence and determination…. alone are omnipotent- Calvin Coolidge
For the next version of Introspection Time with JBM, check Kalemba every Wednesday.
Author: Joan Beulah Mute (JBM), is the Dean of Student Affairs and Lecturer in Research Methods, Sociology and Law and Ethics in Public Health at the University of Lusaka
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