PERSISTENCE-TO REFUSE TO GIVE UP

The dictionary defines persistence in the following ways: to refuse to give up, especially when faced with opposition, to continue insistently, to endure, to remain.

If you were given the personality trait of exceptional persistence, you are far more likely to achieve your goals than the average person. Intelligence may be the greatest determining factor of success, but persistence has to be a close second. The annals of achievement are filled with stories of heroic persistence. One of the most notable persistent personalities was Winston Churchill, who energized the fighting spirit of the British people in World War II with the quote, "You must NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Give up" Of course, your level of persistence will vary based on the intensity of your desire and commitment. If it is truly important to you, you will refuse to give up, especially when faced with opposition. It is simply a matter of continually trying no matter how hard the road becomes. You must never quit. You must never stop trying.

DISCIPLINE AND WILLPOWER-HOLD FAST!

Discipline is difficult. It means getting yourself to do what you know you must and not doing what you know you must not. The best means for enhancing your level of discipline is to heighten your level of desire and commitment for the goal.

You can accomplish this best by imagining what it will look and feel like after you have accomplished the goal. When you envision yourself in the entirely new place of your goal achieved, it stiffens your resolve for holding the line. Another way to improve your level of discipline is to set up systems that raise your awareness and keep you on track. As an example, if your goal is to hold your calories to 1500 calories a day, a good supportive system would be to record your calories as you consume them throughout the day. Discipline is at times mentally, and sometimes physically, painful and requires us to simply "take the pain". In the end it comes down to mental toughness. Set the para- meters and stick to them. Draw a line in the sand and make the decision that you won't cross it.