We are all tested to find our persistence level. How dedicated are you to achieving your vision? Will you keep trying no matter how many times you get knocked down?

Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel
Napoleon Hill

The basis of this is the power of your will. A combination of willpower, persistence and desire are needed to attain your goals. Know that you will achieve your goals, let no one deter you.

So many people don’t know what their dreams are. They travel through life allowing the winds of fate to bounce them here, there, and everywhere. Some who know their dreams will not pursue them due to fear of criticism. The fear of ridicule holds so many back from achieving their goals. Look at our history. Many a man has been ridiculed for pursuing supposedly ridiculous dreams. Thank goodness those people chose not to let that stop them. Think of life without a telephone or vehicle or even light bulbs?

So what’s your excuse?

You have to know where you’re going and what you want in life to get there. Start with some basic questions:
• What do I want?
• Why do I want it?
• How will it make me feel when I get it?

The time to nurture an idea is at its birth. Every minute it lives gives it a better chance of survival. So take your ideas and nurture them, create a picture of what life will feel like when you see these ideas completed. What an awesome feeling that is! Discovering this is the driving force behind your level of persistence. When you discover what you want, are you ready to give it everything you’ve got?

Steps to train yourself to be persistent

The good thing is, persistence is a state of mind which can be cultivated. Napoleon Hill shared these many years ago, yet they are still pertinent today.
• Definiteness of purpose – Knowing what you want is the most important step. A strong motive forces you to surmount many obstacles.
• Desire – The stronger your desire, the easier it is to maintain persistence in pursuing it.
• Self-Reliance – Believe in your ability to carry out a plan.
• Definiteness of plans – Organized plans, even though they may be weak or impractical, encourage this.
• Accurate knowledge – Knowing that you plan is sound, based on experience or observation takes “guessing” out of the picture.
• Cooperation – Sympathy, understanding and harmonious cooperation with others builds your desire.
• Will-Power – The habit of concentrating your thoughts upon the building of plans for the attainment of purpose leads to persistence.
• Habit – Persistence is a direct result of habit. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feed. Utilize this by following good habits that will empower you in achieving your dreams.

Be bold and decisive. Block out all negative and discouraging influences. This includes negative suggestions from family, friends and acquaintances. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage and support you in your endeavors. Refine your persistence by seeking out mentors and Mastermind groups who will encourage, support and offer accountability.

Anything you want to have or do in your life requires persistence. This entails sticking with it until you have achieved the results you desire.

So you have a choice. Your choice is to stand on the sidelines and watch or suit up and play the game of life. What do you say? I say …

Game on!!!
Play large!!!
Have fun!!!

Author's Bio: 

Val Wilcox is a Speaker, Author and Life Coach who specializes in Empowering Your Life’s Dreams. She will support you in navigating the transitions of Life’s interesting challenges. Success has many faces and looks different to each and every one of us. Discovering your Life Passions unlocks the key to a better life.

With more than 10 years of experience in Leadership Development Training, Val brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to her coaching.

Val's newest EBook, Change Your Mindset ... Change Your Life is available through her website: http://www.valwilcox.com