Other people don’t kill our dreams – We do! … a continuing discussion about Siimon Reynolds’ book “Why People Fail” with Kevin Lovewell
Chapter 14: Lack of Persistence
This chapter contains one of Siimon Reynolds most insightful statements. “One of the most crucial reasons people ultimately fail – is they give up too soon. The other is that they believe there is something wrong with failure.”
The fact that society publicises and praises winners, and rarely looks at how many times those people lost on their way to the winners’ podium, is in part to blame, because all this hero worship suggests the rest of us see those people as being “better” than we are. According to Siimon Reynolds, most of us have given up before we actually start. When “Persistence” is required, we don’t know how, because it is a habit few people can claim to possess. Siimon then leads the reader through his two-stage process for learning how to master the habit called persistence.
Step 1 – Determination. Decades of research shows that we only perform up to that level that represents our own self-image…. not surprisingly, most people are talking to themselves in their emotional mirror – but in a negative and limiting way. Because self-image is not set in stone, we can all sculpt and remodel what we think of ourselves. Even if you feel at present that you cannot do this – evidence suggests that people who “day after day” try to act and feel they are unrelenting masters of persistence do notice a change in performance. That’s how sportspeople get to the top.
This chapter contains one of Siimon Reynolds most insightful statements. “One of the most crucial reasons people ultimately fail – is they give up too soon. The other, is that they believe there is something wrong with failure.”
The fact that society publicises and praises winners, and rarely looks at how many times those people lost on their way to the winners’ podium, is in part to blame, because all this hero worship suggests the rest of us see those people as being “better” than we are. According to Siimon Reynolds, most of us have given up before we actually start. When “Persistence” is required, we don’t know how, because it is a habit few people can claim to possess. Siimon then leads the reader through his two stage process for learning how to master the habit called persistence.
Step 1 – Determination. Decades of research shows that we only perform up to that level that represents our own self-image…. not surprisingly, most people aretalking to themselves in their emotional mirror – but in a negative and limiting way. Because self-image is not set in stone, we can all sculpt and remodel what we think of ourselves. Even if you feel at present that you cannot do this – evidence suggests that people who “day after day” try to act and feel they are unrelenting masters of persistence do notice a change in performance. That’s how sportspeople get to the top.
Change Actions: Sometimes (as in most endeavours) it is enormously empowering to change a single variable. If you are comfortable about change – but not because you’ve given up; remember the US writer Rita Mae Browns’ words “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again but expecting different results.”
Model the Best: If you need a new idea or a new strategy, the best place to look is for the people who have excelled in that area.
Maintain Positivity: You can work yourself into the ground, trying but feeling miserable about the work, or you can decide that the work will be what you want to do and it will be enjoyable. The journey is still ahead of you, the march must still be stepped out – whatever mental attitude you take with you on the journey; so would not the positive approach be more comfortable.
Return to the Vision: It is vital that you can picture the goal or vision whenever you need to. Truly one of the best ways to beat mild depression and obstacles – is to re-envision the end goal.
Action Step
The people who do not achieve their version of success are invariably reactive not proactive; haphazard not systematic; sporadic not consistent. It is up to you to become a master of consistency, unrelenting in your own way. If you do, then one day you will come to a point where you look around and realise that you have not just achieved your dreams, but have gone further than you ever dared to imagine.
If you need more information, please talk to me:
Kevin Lovewell
1 – Taken from the book “Why People Fail – the sixteen obstacles to success and how to overcome them” – Siimon Reynolds
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the Writer. The information is not meant to be exhaustive. Readers are responsible for making their own inquiries and assessments as to the truth and accuracy of all the information given and should seek advice from professionals. No liability (in contract, tort or otherwise) will be accepted for any loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance upon any material contained in this publication or any information or advice provided in this publication or incorporated in it.
