Persistence is the quiet fuel behind every meaningful and impactful ‘success’ story, whether it’s a breakthrough in science, a masterpiece in art or an entrepreneurial endeavour. And yes you will notice that I have placed the word success in quotes because the very meaning of success is incredibly subjective. But along with persistence often comes failure – or at least the perception of it. The feeling of “failing” is something most of us experience, and it can be both disheartening and demotivating. However, seeing failure in a different light can transform it into a stepping stone rather than a roadblock.
In this post, let’s look at what persistence really means and explore ways to navigate setbacks with resilience, so we can move forward without the weight of perceived failure stalling our progress and learnings.
1. Persistence is Not Just Perseverance – It’s Adaptation.
Many people think persistence is simply “sticking it out,” but true persistence is much more than this. It’s about adapting, evolving and most importantly learning in response to challenges. In fact, effective persistence is dynamic and fluid; it means modifying your approach when necessary without giving up on your goals.
Action Tip: Whenever you face an obstacle, ask yourself, What is this teaching me? Rather than seeing setbacks as failures, consider them as feedback. Take a moment to assess what adjustments are needed and see each attempt as a refining process in implementing the learnings taken away from the experience.
2. Reframe Failure as a Stepping Stone
One of the most powerful shifts in mindset is to see failure not as a stop sign but as a way to gain invaluable experience. Society has been a very effective teacher that failure is bad and nothing could be further from the truth. Every ‘unsuccessful’ (again, it’s all about perception) attempt brings us closer to where we want to be because we learn what doesn’t work – and often throughout the process, what ultimately does (I am definitely the Queen of this).
Action Tip: Each time you hit a perceived failure, reflect on what went wrong, why, and how you can use this insight in your next attempt. I personally love always asking the what, when, where, why, how and who questions – super insightful. Documenting these lessons can turn setbacks into a valuable resource you can revisit when facing similar challenges in the future. And this is very true with sport and business in particular.
3. Embrace Incremental Progress
Success is rarely a single, big leap; it’s usually a series of small, consistent steps. It’s never a linear graph but usually a rather messy looking drawing that looks something similar to a toddler’s drawing. Persistence is as much about patience as it is about endurance. Focusing on small wins along your journey will keep your momentum alive and build the habit of achieving, which can be invaluable in maintaining motivation.
Action Tip: Set small, attainable goals that act as mini-milestones on the way to your larger vision. Celebrate these wins, no matter how minor they might seem. Small victories build confidence and help keep the bigger picture in perspective. For me, I love to make daily, weekly, monthly, 3, 6 and 12 monthly goals as well as longer-term goals up to 5 years’. It breaks them down into much more palatable daily tasks that I know are moving me closer to where I want to be.
4. Avoid Self-Comparison and Social Pressures
Today’s world often glorifies instant and ‘overnight’ success (again, another inaccurate perception), making it easy to feel as though you’re falling behind. But comparing yourself to others who seem to be achieving more, faster, can distort your perspective and erode your confidence. Persistence requires tuning out the noise and remembering that each journey is unique. And most ‘overnight’ successes actually take years’ – you just don’t see the entire journey.
Action Tip: Identify your own personal standards of success and set personal benchmarks and milestones. When you’re able to define progress on your own terms, the opinions and achievements of others matter far less, freeing you to move forward at your own pace. And don’t forget to always celebrate those milestones!
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and smart, consistent work. This mindset is essential for persistence because it frames setbacks not as evidence of inadequacy, but as an organic element of the learning process. Embracing this outlook allows you to bounce back faster from perceived failures and to see the value in ongoing effort.
Action Tip: Practice seeing challenges as opportunities to learn. When facing a difficult task, remind yourself that pushing through the discomfort is where growth happens. Always. Learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
6. Seek Out Support and Mentorship
Persisting through difficult times can feel isolating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. A network of supportive friends, family members or mentors can provide encouragement, fresh perspectives, and advice that helps keep you on track. Having someone to share your challenges and wins with can make a huge difference in how you approach setbacks. Does any sports person achieve outrageous success without a Coach? Usually not – same with anything worthwhile in life.
Action Tip: Find a mentor/coach or connect with peers who understand your journey and have already been through it. The guidance and reassurance of someone who has faced similar hurdles can make your challenges seem less daunting and your goals more attainable.
Success is Built on Consistency, Never Perfection
Persistence isn’t about achieving immediate results; it’s about creating a resilient approach that allows you to continue moving forward, despite obstacles. It gives you the space to learn. By reframing failure as feedback, setting incremental goals and cultivating a support network, you build a foundation for long-term growth and resilience.
Remember, every setback you face is part of your own personal journey and story. With every step forward – regardless of how small – you’re building something significant, meaningful, fulfilling and worthwhile.
Photo by Allan Mas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-asian-woman-climbing-wall-in-modern-gym-5383503/