The Power of Persistence

Business leaders, more than anyone, understand the power of persistence. It's the relentless pursuit of a vision, the unwavering commitment to overcome challenges, and the unwavering belief in the face of doubt. But persistence isn't just blind stubbornness. It's a character trait that shows up as strategic action, which is backed by the mental fortitude of perseverance, that allows you to navigate the inevitable roadblocks on your path to success.

As Napoleon Hill eloquently stated, "Persistence is an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting desire into its monetary equivalent. The basis of persistence is the power of will. Will power and desire, when properly combined, make an irresistible pair.” In building High-Performance teams, and rising to the status of a High-Performance Leader, you will inevitably have to master this trait; let’s discover how it’s done.

The Psychology of Persistence

Persistence is fueled by a powerful combination of cognitive factors primarily channeling the powers of our pre-frontal cortex (aka forehead) where the ability to plan, and activate faith can be found.

One crucial element is locus of control, the belief that you have the power to influence your own outcomes. Persistent individuals believe their actions determine their success, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience.

Another key factor is growth mindset. This belief system posits that abilities and intelligence are not fixed but can be developed through effort and learning. When faced with setbacks, those with a growth mindset see them as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than reasons to give up.

Finally, persistence thrives on intrinsic motivation. When driven by passion and a deep-seated desire to achieve your goals, the challenges become stepping stones, not insurmountable hurdles.

Building Persistence: A Practical Approach

Let's translate principle and science into action. Below are three key strategies we leverage in Marq Neasman Consulting to cultivate persistence in our clients’ leadership style:

• Set High-Performance Goals:
  High-Performance goals are our version of SMART goals.  They break down your vision into manageable steps, allowing you to celebrate milestones and stay motivated on long-term projects. We encourage you to check out the article on High-Performance Goal Setting and get your free guide.
  

• Embrace the Power of "Yet": When faced with a challenge, shift your internal dialogue. Instead of a discouraging "I can't do this," reframe it as "I can't do this YET." This subtle shift acknowledges the current obstacle while maintaining a belief in your eventual success.
  

• Celebrate Effort and Progress: Focus on the journey, not just the destination. Acknowledge and reward yourself and your team for the effort invested, not just the final outcome. This reinforces the positive association with persistence and fuels further action.
  

• Circle of Influence and Accountability: Often times we are unable to see our blind spots, and it is up to those that are paying much more attention to our actions then we are, our team. By implementing 360 appraisals you put yourself in a position to receive vital feedback from your upline, peers, and downline. This creates a dynamic energy propelling you forward and ensuring continued growth.

The Persistence of Henry Ford

History is replete with examples of leaders who have leveraged persistence to achieve greatness. Henry Ford, the iconic automobile pioneer, serves as a prime example. Despite facing numerous technical hurdles and market skepticism, Ford persisted in his vision of a "motor car for the great multitude." His relentless pursuit of innovation led to the development of the assembly line, revolutionizing the automotive industry and making cars accessible to the average American.

Ford's story embodies the power of unwavering belief. He wasn't deterred by initial failures, financial setbacks, or even public ridicule. As is often noted of Ford, some may have misunderstood his persistence as ruthlessness, but it was this very quality, combined with willpower and a clear desire, that ensured the attainment of his objectives. The same can be said for every High-Performance Leader in pursuit of greatness.

The Majority vs. The Few

The majority of people are ready to throw their aims and purposes overboard, and give up at the first sign of opposition or misfortune.  A few carry on despite all opposition until they attain their goal.  These few are the Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edisons."

Great leaders understand that challenges are inevitable, but they are not insurmountable. By nurturing your own persistence and fostering it within your team, you equip yourselves with the most valuable tool in a leader's arsenal. Embrace the journey, celebrate progress, and never lose sight of your vision. With unwavering persistence, you can turn your dreams into reality, just like the Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edisons of the world.

If you are looking for a way to know whether you represent The Few” click here to take the High-Performance Leadership Assessment™.  This 60 question self-assessment is designed to uncover your trending thoughts an habits over the past 90 days.

Building a Culture of Persistence

Persistence isn't just an individual trait; it can be cultivated within your entire organization. Here are some strategies to create a culture of persistence within your team:

• Lead by Example: Your own unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges sets the tone for your team. Be transparent about setbacks you've faced and how you persevered.
  

• Celebrate Persistence: Recognize and reward team members who demonstrate persistence in the face of difficulty. Highlight their efforts and the positive outcomes that resulted from their perseverance.
  

• Embrace Calculated Risks: Encourage a culture of calculated risk-taking and celebrate failure.  The reality is that losses are inevitable, and they are oftentimes the best learning mechanisms.  It is unproductive to have a negative connotation towards it.  Innovation often requires venturing outside your comfort zone. By fostering an environment where calculated risks are supported, you encourage your team to push boundaries and learn from setbacks.
  

• Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Shift the team's mindset from dwelling on problems to brainstorming solutions. Encourage creative problem-solving and a collaborative approach to overcoming obstacles. At the end of every month every department in our company has a meeting of creative problem solving.  This gives every individual (no matter their role) the opportunity to be a problem solver and add prove their value within the organization.

There will always be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But by cultivating a mindset of perseverance, you and your team will be equipped to navigate them effectively. Remember, the greatest successes often lie just beyond the most significant obstacles. So, embrace the power of persistence, transform your desires into reality, and join the ranks of the Fords, Carnegies, and Rockefellers who have shaped our world through their unwavering commitment to their visions.

Power Thought

As you navigate the ever-changing landscape of business, remember this: persistence is the bridge that connects your vision to its realization. It's the unwavering force that propels you forward when the path seems unclear and the winds of doubt threaten to derail you.

Leaders who cultivate persistence within themselves and their teams foster a culture of resilience and innovation. They understand that setbacks are not failures, but stepping stones on the path to success. They celebrate effort and progress, recognizing that every challenge overcome strengthens their resolve.

So, the next time you face an obstacle, don't let it deter you. Embrace the power of "yet." See it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger. Remember the stories of Ford, Carnegie, and Rockefeller – testaments to the transformative power of unwavering persistence. With unwavering commitment and a growth mindset, you too can turn your dreams into reality and leave your own indelible mark on the world.

Don't let this knowledge simply reside within the pages of this newsletter. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to cultivate persistence:

1. Identify a current challenge you face in your business.

2. Shift your internal dialogue. Instead of "I can't do this," reframe it as "I can't do this YET."

3. Develop a plan to overcome the challenge. Break it down into manageable steps and set realistic deadlines.

4. Share your plan with your team and seek their input. Collaboration fosters a sense of shared purpose and strengthens your resolve.

5. Track your progress and celebrate your milestones. Acknowledge your efforts and the progress you've made, no matter how small.

By taking consistent action and fostering a culture of persistence, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and building a thriving business. Remember, success is not about reaching the finish line first; it's about never giving up on the race. Share this article with a colleague that could benefit from it.