Thrival of the persistent
Survival of the fittest – a phrase coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer. Spencer based it on Charles Darwin’s theory concerning natural selection; where the strongest and best adapted animals survive changes in their environment.
Now we humans don’t have to worry as much about natural selection and being the fittest to survive as we did, but I’ve development my own theory. That those who thrive, not just exist, but truly live life to the fullest, are the most persistent. I call the theory “Thrival of the persistent.”
Power of persistence –Why the most persistent people thrive
So why do the most persistent people thrive in life? There are four main reasons:
1. They continue to improve
2. Create the change
3. Understand that persistence is the toll through obstacles
4. They just do it
- They continue to improve
As they follow the path to achieving goals, persistent people look at what’s not working, figure out how to fix it and do it. They learn more as they strive for more, so in a sense they are becoming more fit, with knowledge and adapting to change, but more likely, they’re creating the change.
- Create the change
People who are existing wait for change to enter their lives. People who are thriving go out there and create the change in their lives and more often it’s positive change. But for those who wait, it’s more often change they don’t want in their lives.
- Understand that persistence is the toll through obstacles
Thriving people know that persistence is the toll you have to pay to get past the border of obstacles.
The one thing that stands in the way of thriving is an obstacle (or sometimes a bunch of obstacles). Obstacles mark the state line between the state of existing and the state of thriving.
- They just do it
Those who are thriving don’t wait for tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year; they just do it. They’re so focused that they don’t care what other people think, or about failure, or even about too far into the future. They know that tomorrow is not guaranteed, but the present is.
Quotes on persistence
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” – Calvin Coolidge
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin
“A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.”- Elbert Hubbard
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“If you are going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
Other articles on persistence
- How to Doggedly Pursue Your Dreams in the Face of Naysayers – ZenHabits.com
- 7 Sure-Fire Ways to Develop Persistence – LifeOptimizer.org
- Persistence Isn’t Using The Same Tactics Over And Over – HunterNutall.com
What did you think about this article? Do you believe those who are thriving in life are the ones who are the most persistent? Have any other tips about persistence? Please share in the comments below.
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6 Responses to “Thrival of the persistent”
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Andrew,
Great post, I really like the quote by Emerson.
Hey Tyler,
Glad you liked the post and Emerson’s quote. There’s another quote out there by someone else that sounds very similar, but I like Emerson’s the most.
-Andrew
I agree 100% here!
Setting goals to do something big like starting a business, traveling the world or writing a book can seem overwhelming. Many people look at those obstacles ahead and then say, “why even bother?”
It is important to remember that we are all in the same situation. Everyone started from zero. Those that have more success now have just put in more work. It didn’t happen by accident.
Success is about putting in the long hours when you are tired, bored and want to do something easier.
Following your passions is nice, but you still have to put in the work.
Here’s a quote that relates to what you’re talking about:
“Don’t be discouraged; everyone who got where he is, started where he was.” – Anonymous
Some people do think that it happens by accident or by luck. But I don’t really believe in luck, I believe in hard work and persistence.
-Andrew
Emerson also said:
“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”
And it’s so true. Luck actually represents nothing but causes which are unknown to you. If you had known them you would see why you “got lucky”. Persistence is one way to try a lot of causes, thus generating a lot of effects and therefore increasing the chances of getting the effect you really desire.
Failure is just useful information you can use to succeed.
I love Emerson’s quotes! That’s another great one.
I have to agree with you; people call something “lucky” because they just can’t figure out the cause and effect at that particular moment. But often in hindsight, they can.
-Andrew