Chapter 9-Persistence

Taking a good look at the subject of persistence, I think
of the years Connie and I had together. I have to ask how 
we stayed together for 51+ years. The simplest answer was 
to be we started every day with a decision to love each 
other and to persistently work on our marriage. Our life 
together was built on faith in God and faith in each other, 
which is a must in all relationships.

Yes, it was only with persistence and faith that we overcame the
difficulty life threw at us. Our son Jeremy was born weighing
only 2 lbs. 9 oz. Connie had cancer in 1980. Lost our house and
had a car repo in 2011. Connie was diagnosed with end-stage liver
disease in 2013. But with persistence, faith, and love we were
sustained.

It must be remembered that persistence is the steadfast effort
necessary to induce faith. The power of will is the very basis of
persistence. Willpower and desire, when properly combined, make an
irresistible pair.

I think Mr. Hill gives us the formula to gain every goal and desire
we may have: Desire multiplied by willpower plus persistence will
equal the attainment of our objectives.  (D x W) + P = O

But why do most people (the 98%) fail to be persistent? Mr. Hill wrote,
“The majority of people are ready to throw their aims and purposes
overboard and give up at the first sign of opposition or misfortune.” 
A few (2%) carry on despite all opposition until they attain their goal.
These few are the Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edisons.

How do we overcome the lack of persistence? It is easily conquered when
we depend entirely upon the intensity of one’s desires. In other words,
fire up your desire and put action behind it.

“The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly
in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire
makes a small amount of heat. If you find yourself lacking in persistence,
this weakness may be remedied by building a stronger fire under your desires

“Two consciousness are before us, poverty and money.  A poverty consciousness
develops without conscious application of habits favorable to it. The money
consciousness must be created to order unless one is born with such a
consciousness.

“There is no substitute for persistence! It cannot be supplanted by any other
quality! Remember this, and it will hearten you, in the beginning, when the
going may seem difficult and slow. Those who have cultivated the HABIT of
persistence seem to enjoy insurance against failure. No matter how many times
they are defeated, they finally arrive up to the top of the ladder.”  Napoleon Hill

Knowing what one wants is the first perhaps, most important step toward the
development of persistence. A strong motive forces one to surmount many 
difficulties.

Persistence is based upon definite causes, among them these: definiteness of
purpose, desire, self-reliance, definiteness of plans, accurate knowledge,
cooperation, willpower, and habit.

A “symptom” indicating weakness of persistence I have decided to defeat is
procrastination. Why? For I have allowed alibis and excuses to delay actively
building my business. But no more! My goals are set, and I am aiming high.

Mr. Hill gives us four simple steps to the habit of persistence. They are:

1. A definite purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment.

2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

3.  A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences,
including negative suggestions from relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

4. A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to
follow through with both plan and purpose.

It is here at Mentoring for Free that I have found the strength to live by 
these 4 steps. I thank Linda and MicheL Dlouhy and the whole Mentoring for
Free family for th=w caring spirit shown on every call and lesson written.

Nathan Grimes
Lubbock, TX USA

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