Patience or Persistence? Which is better?
First, let's find out what persistence means: "Persistence" is the "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition..."
If your learning how to be successful, some will tell you that persistence will get you to your goal. After all, Denis Waitley himself said that "Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence..."
This can be true...sometimes.
There is nothing wrong with embracing your ideals; however, the danger is that by taking that stand out of ONLY persistence...you could be missing out on something even more important.
So what does that mean?
Look at that definition of Persistence again. "...the firm or obstinate continuance..." What comes to mind when you think of a person who is "obstinate?"...stubborn, bullheaded; inflexible, unyielding and perverse.
Not exactly words that would describe a person who is supposed to be a visionary...an entrepreneur, right?
Stubborn, bullheaded; inflexible, unyielding and perverse. Do those kinds of limiting words describe a visionary leader? Or a tyrant?
So the question you should be asking yourself is: Does building a business really need to be this hard? Is being "persistent" the best way to get from where you are to where you want to be?
Is there a better way? Sometimes, you will be able to see that better way when you step back, take a breath, take stock of all the conditions, and then proceed toward your goal.
Now...were you paying attention to what I just said? I didn't say that giving up was the only way. I simply said that by taking the time to listen to your gut and the soft (and sometimes loud) clues all around you, then you may find an even better, easier, and faster way to accomplish what you want and sometimes even more.
And this is where Patience comes in. Yes, even in business, Patience is a virtue. (even though it may not win you any medals...)
That is the "capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset..."
It takes practice (or persistence) to become Patient! Patience is the "capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset..."
No. Patience isn't about being idle. It's not about avoiding action. It's not about avoiding a decision.
In fact, being patient as you build your business, even building your relationships, takes an enormous amount of confidence and faith. You have to be confident that your product and your service are needed by the market. They provide value. Your value will result in your success...when you are patient and take full advantage of opportunities that come your way.
It may take longer than you originally hoped; the path you take to get to your goal may not be what you originally mapped out; but because you are patient, confident, and have the ability to be flexible in your approach and adjust your sails as different and better opportunities present themselves, you can become successful.
Trust me...I have some experience with this; that confidence that you need can be tough to hang onto. Especially when "life" pulls the rug out from under you.
I've been there!
But even when a challenge presents itself; even when it seems to be taking FOREVER to get where you're going; if you go through the steps of the process with patience and an openness you will not only enjoy the journey, but get the most value from the challenges you face.
Ok, your turn. Ask yourself this: If you knew that failure was not a part of the outcome for you; that success was a "sure thing" for your business...what would you do differently?
Would you focus more on the core business rather than waste your time on busy work? Would you hire that VA, copywriter, graphic designer, assistant or whoever else you might need to grow your business? Would you finally write that book, create that training, or start giving those classes?
There are always a thousand reasons why we "can't" do something; reasons why it won't work. Rarely is it really about external factors.
Be patient...with yourself and with your business.
Set your goals; form good habits to get to those goals, and enjoy every step along your journey!
When you enjoy the journey, you can better enjoy the success of your journey.
First, let's find out what persistence means: "Persistence" is the "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition..."
If your learning how to be successful, some will tell you that persistence will get you to your goal. After all, Denis Waitley himself said that "Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence..."
This can be true...sometimes.
There is nothing wrong with embracing your ideals; however, the danger is that by taking that stand out of ONLY persistence...you could be missing out on something even more important.
So what does that mean?
Look at that definition of Persistence again. "...the firm or obstinate continuance..." What comes to mind when you think of a person who is "obstinate?"...stubborn, bullheaded; inflexible, unyielding and perverse.
Not exactly words that would describe a person who is supposed to be a visionary...an entrepreneur, right?
Stubborn, bullheaded; inflexible, unyielding and perverse. Do those kinds of limiting words describe a visionary leader? Or a tyrant?
So the question you should be asking yourself is: Does building a business really need to be this hard? Is being "persistent" the best way to get from where you are to where you want to be?
Is there a better way? Sometimes, you will be able to see that better way when you step back, take a breath, take stock of all the conditions, and then proceed toward your goal.
Now...were you paying attention to what I just said? I didn't say that giving up was the only way. I simply said that by taking the time to listen to your gut and the soft (and sometimes loud) clues all around you, then you may find an even better, easier, and faster way to accomplish what you want and sometimes even more.
And this is where Patience comes in. Yes, even in business, Patience is a virtue. (even though it may not win you any medals...)
That is the "capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset..."
It takes practice (or persistence) to become Patient! Patience is the "capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset..."
No. Patience isn't about being idle. It's not about avoiding action. It's not about avoiding a decision.
In fact, being patient as you build your business, even building your relationships, takes an enormous amount of confidence and faith. You have to be confident that your product and your service are needed by the market. They provide value. Your value will result in your success...when you are patient and take full advantage of opportunities that come your way.
It may take longer than you originally hoped; the path you take to get to your goal may not be what you originally mapped out; but because you are patient, confident, and have the ability to be flexible in your approach and adjust your sails as different and better opportunities present themselves, you can become successful.
Trust me...I have some experience with this; that confidence that you need can be tough to hang onto. Especially when "life" pulls the rug out from under you.
I've been there!
But even when a challenge presents itself; even when it seems to be taking FOREVER to get where you're going; if you go through the steps of the process with patience and an openness you will not only enjoy the journey, but get the most value from the challenges you face.
Ok, your turn. Ask yourself this: If you knew that failure was not a part of the outcome for you; that success was a "sure thing" for your business...what would you do differently?
Would you focus more on the core business rather than waste your time on busy work? Would you hire that VA, copywriter, graphic designer, assistant or whoever else you might need to grow your business? Would you finally write that book, create that training, or start giving those classes?
There are always a thousand reasons why we "can't" do something; reasons why it won't work. Rarely is it really about external factors.
Be patient...with yourself and with your business.
Set your goals; form good habits to get to those goals, and enjoy every step along your journey!
When you enjoy the journey, you can better enjoy the success of your journey.
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