The 4 Pillars of Perseverance
If motivation ignites us into action, then perseverance is the fuel that keeps us going until we achieve what we set out to do, even with setbacks. Without perseverance we would live in a state of inertia, with little advancement or creation.
In order to make a lifestyle change, get a promotion, find a new career or learn a new skill, or just get through a pandemic, we have to be able to keep moving forward. Often beating aptitude and raw talent, perseverance is a better predictor of success too.
So what are the 4 pillars of perseverance?
Hope and optimism
Essential in difficult times, these are both an expression of faith that times will always change, things will pass and good times will come again. For example, an optimistic mind can see that this pandemic situation will change and we will be free again at some point.
Brene Brown famously said, “Hope is a function of struggle”, meaning if we don’t struggle we actually diminish our capacity for hope. Hope is the thing that is on the other side of the struggle and we will indeed arrive there. Our efforts matter and they can improve our future.
Mind-set and belief
Believing you have an ability to develop and learn through doing is a growth mind-set that is comfortable with change. It’s an open attitude about yourself, which allows influence and experience to mould you for the better; that you are not fixed. A fixed mind-set undermines perseverance through lowering your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-belief; be aware of this pitfall!
Grit and persistence
An ability to persist and push through discomfort and complicated life situations is what grit is all about. It requires self-control and knowledge that there will be a future payoff in some way, whether that is the acquisition of a new skill or an improved personal emotional or character strength. Grit also needs passion.
Passion and values
Passion is an energetic reflection of our values. Pursuing and doing what we love gives great meaning to our lives and acts like a compass directing us in the way we want to go. When we know what we value and make choices that drive us towards the life we want to have, then we will find perseverance in bucketloads! If you don’t know your passion or values yet, then follow your interests and try some new things that you are curious about.
Not sure what your values are, or perhaps they have changed?