Perseverance, Persistance and Determination

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
Thomas A. Edison

People have always known that persistence and perseverance are a key ingredient in success. Hence the old saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again".

And recent psychological research has backed this up. Studies of successful entrepreneurs show that the millionaires in this world possess a tremendous level of perseverance - they stick at it not just when the going gets tough, but even when others tell them to stop.

"Patience and tenacity of purpose
are worth more than twice their weight of cleverness."
Thomas Henry Huxley

Single mindedness, determination, dedication, self-belief and the inability to ever give in are what distinguish people who do great things with their lives from those whose dreams die with them. When you have great perseverance you take into account what others say but you don't let it rule you. You remain true to your vision.


Life's a struggle and no question, and without perseverance it's easy to give up on one's dreams and ambitions. Even if it weren't a struggle, the modern expectation of instant results can lead people to question the value of effort and determination. As a result, they achieve much less than they are capable of.