Persistence

Here comes another new year, when many of us traditionally see it as an opportunity to start something different. Of course we can do that at any time, but it often helps to aim for something definite or symbolic, such as a date. Unfortunately, that's often the extent of our preparation - setting a date and a vague target.
One aspect of making resolutions which people often forget about at the outset is persistence - what it really takes to see it through - because, well, it's a bit boring isn't it? It's the nitty gritty, it requires thinking about what could go badly, it means planning.......YAWN! Yet without it, we are almost certainly doomed to fail (again!).
In a fast-paced, quick-change world, we don't seem to value persistence as we should, yet all the "greats" would tell you that it's the most important quality you can have. Without it, no matter how brilliant, talented, original and intelligent you are, you are unlikely to succeed.
I am reminded here of a story I read about a man who decided he wanted to learn to windsurf. His first lesson was shared with another beginner, both of them struggling to master the techniques, falling over all the time, unable to keep the sail upright, pulled in any direction but the one they wanted, battered, bruised, frustrated, exhausted, weak, feeling pretty hopeless. After which, our main character decided that wind-surfing wasn't for him after all, he couldn't hack it. Then, a few months later, he returned to the lake where he'd had his lesson to see the other learner skimming and swooping across the water on his board, having a wonderful time. At which point he realised that the only difference between them was that the other guy had kept going. Obvious, isn't it? But how often have you been the person giving up?
So, as you prepare to make those changes, consider how you might keep going when it gets tough, and remember the windsurfer.
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