Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
We will either find a way or make one.
–Hannibal (247-182 BC), Carthaginian General
How many times can you climb the mountain? I keep asking myself and I have been up and down the mountain of entrepreneurship many times. The markets keep changing. People change. Technology changes. I do my best to adapt and change, yet keep my core self intact.
Grit, or perseverance is one of the most important traits an entrepreneur can have. Because you will encounter obstacles, and failure. If you succeed the first time, God has blessed you (or cursed you).
Perseverance is not for the weak. In christian terms it is carrying your cross every day.
Some day you will make it. Success will come for you. But until then you must persevere.
But how?
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
–Thomas Edison (1874-1931), inventor of the light bulb
Bury yourself in the routine, the mundane.
This is where you “stop to smell the roses”. But I want you to go one step further. Observe and reflect what you see in the moment. Learn to be in that moment and focus on the wildlife near you, the plants and all of God’s green earth.
What else can you do?
Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.
–Newt Gingrich (1943- ), American politician, historian, and author
Focus on your physical health.
Without it your mental and spiritual health will falter. You will have a higher chance to quit because of poor health. So exercise and eat right. It is essential to getting everything else right.
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
–Confucius (551-479 BC), philosopher
Learn to adjust perspectives.
Poor perspectives on life such as always seeking happiness or escaping from responsibilities will lead to ruin. Take comfort in your work at home and on the job. Adapt a positive, yet realistic perspective and it will serve you well.
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.
–Dale Carnegie (1888-1955), world-renowned author and speaker
Be grateful
Gratitude is the attitude adjuster. It helps you gain a positive perspective. Just don't forget about the realities of life. In prayer and in life be grateful for what God has given you.
Ol' GW laying down facts
Be patient
I cannot overemphasize this. Often our need for action and taking charge can be our own undoing. We have to be more patient (yes I do as well). Know when to take action and know when to rest and reflect.
In summary:
- Bury yourself in the routine, the mundane.
- Focus on your physical health.
- Learn to adjust perspectives.
- Be grateful
- Be patient
This will help you gain the perseverance you need to endure the harsh winters of bad deals, poor clients, horrible partners and downturn markets.
Stay positive my friends,
