The Power of Persistence: Your Most Under-rated Tool for Success!

This weeks topic cannot be stressed enough and ultimately will be the thing that set's you apart from other aspiring writers.

In a world that celebrates overnight success, the virtue of persistence is often overlooked. We see the final product—the best-selling book, the article sold to a publisher, the way your family and friends love your new short story but don't see the countless rejections, late nights, and failures that led to it. Persistence is the quiet, consistent effort that happens when no one is watching. It's not a burst of motivation but a steady burn of determination.

So, how do we cultivate this powerful trait and use it to achieve our biggest goals?

Here's a guide.

Why Bother with Persistence?

Persistence is more than just "not giving up." It’s a purposeful, strategic mindset that builds resilience and leads to true mastery.

You become an expert: True skill is rarely achieved on the first try. Repetition, trial, and error—all fueled by persistence—are how you move from a beginner to an expert.

You learn from failure: Every setback isn't a dead end, but a valuable lesson. Persistence turns failures into data, teaching you what not to do next time.

Keep focused: In a world of constant distractions, a persistent mindset acts as a filter, keeping your long-term goals at the forefront of your attention.

Here are 5 Steps to Cultivate Your Persistence:

1. Know "Why" Your doing this:

Before you can stay committed, you must understand your motivation. Your "why" is the fuel for your persistence. When facing a setback, reconnecting with your purpose will remind you that the effort is worth the struggle.

2. Break It All Down:

An ambitious goal can feel overwhelming. The key is to break it into small, manageable, and achievable tasks. Instead of "Write a book," think: "Write one chapter this week." Celebrating these small wins will create a powerful feedback loop that builds momentum and keeps you engaged.

3. Build Unwavering Habits:

In the early days, you'll be driven by motivation. But motivation is fleeting. Persistence is built on discipline and routine. Schedule time to work on your goals, even when you don't feel like it. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity.

4. Re-frame Failure as a Teacher:

Don't be discouraged by mistakes. Instead, adopt a growth mindset and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt. The ability to learn from what went wrong and adjusting your approach is the cornerstone of persistence.

5. Build a Support System is essential:

You don't have to go it alone. Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people who can hold you accountable, offer helpful feedback, and provide encouragement. Read about successful individuals like J.K. Rowling, Ray Bradury, and Stephen King who all famously endured failure on theirs paths to success. Their stories prove that what truly matters is not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.