Staying in the game is the key to success. If you vow to never give up, you will eventually win, no matter how insurmountable the forces are that are against you. Persistence is another trait of high achievers and leaders. The reason it’s important for leaders is because it sets the example of what it takes to achieve something worthwhile.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men 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.”–Calvin Coolidge
“Most people just give up when they’re about to achieve success,” said H. Ross Perot. “They quit on the one yard line. they give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown.” This is true in all businesses. I remember many times early in my career wanting to quit. In fact it was probably true for most every job I’ve had. My first sales position after working in a factory was door-to-door sales with Combined Insurance Co. There were so many days I wanted to quit but I kept going because the money was good and I was learning so much. I also didn’t want to go back to putting a door jam in a machine every 7 seconds and being a robot in a factory.
Eventually, I left to take a marketing position with another insurance company and then 5 years later went back into the sales end of the business. There were many days I came home and wanted to quit but I kept hanging in there and eventually, the insurance industry provided a nice lifestyle for me and my family. Then I started this marketing company and there have been many days that I have thought about quitting but I know that each day I get one step closer to financial freedom. It drives me to continue but more importantly, I now understand very clearly that persistence is a key to success.
I have told new producers in the insurance business that if your not willing to commit to three years of staying in this business, then don’t even start. Unfortunately, many people will start and won’t stick it out. The same is true in my marketing business. If your not willing to work at it for at least a year, then you shouldn’t even do it. 85% of the people who make it past the first year will go on to make money. The only thing that will prevent you from doing that is quitting. Be persistent and never quit and you will achieve your dreams.
Have an awesome day.
