Nearly everyone who develops an idea works it until it looks impossible and then gets discouraged. That’s not the place to become discouraged.

It is often at this point that many only see the obstacle and no longer sees their idea.

They give into discouragement, opposition and obstacles. Not knowing a breakthrough was on the horizon. If only they were persistent.

The dictionary defines persistent as: to continue firmly or obstinately. Persistence is a state of mind.

In the words of Thomas Edison, "Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless…. Reverses should be an incentive to great accomplishment. Results? Why, man, I have gotten lots of results! If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is just one more step forward…. There are no rules here, we’re just trying to accomplish something."

Thomas Edison had boasted he would invent a safe, mild, and inexpensive electric light. After spending $40,000, and performing 1200 experiments, he succeeded.

What if he quit at 1199? We would all be sitting in the dark!

You’ll have obstacles before you can have success. Even the dictionary puts the word obstacle before success.

Obstacles are there to strengthen you and offer progressive measurement of your growing strength. Discouragement sets in when you misunderstand the purpose of struggles and obstacles. Dwelling on struggles, can cause you to question your goals and the faith to believe in yourself. This leads to self doubt. When you allow self doubt to creep in you become susceptible to the fear of criticism. Criticism will stop you from pursuing your ideas and dreams.

Persistence is a conscious decision. You can train yourself to be a persistent person.

Napoleon Hill gives eight factors that persistence is based upon:

1. Definite purpose – know what you want.
2. Desire
3. Self-reliance -the belief to carry out your plan
4. Definite plans – written organized plan.
5. Accurate knowledge – knowing your plan is sound.
6. Cooperation – being with others who will help you develop persistence.
7. Will power – concentrate your thoughts on obtaining your goals.
8. Habit – persistence is a habit that can be consciously developed.

How to Develop Persistence

1. Have a definite purpose backed up with a strong desire to obtain it. Write it down.

2. Have a plan of action. How are you going to make it happen. What do you need to do.

3. Close your mind to negativity and discouraging influences. Self talk can be the most damaging. Watch which were saying to yourself.

4. Develop a group of people who will encourage you but also hold you accountable to follow through on your actions.

Winston Churchill gave a speech over 60 years ago on Oct. 29th. These words are still applicable today. "Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yielded to force; never yielded to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals. Stay focused. Never change your goal-just your plans, replace the plan if necessary, but not your goal.

Persistence must become a way of life if you want to succeed. By learning to overcome problems and barriers, you can become a tremendous person.