Persistence.

Persistence, according to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, is the fact of continuing to try to do something in spite of difficulties. The ability to persevere does not come naturally at birth. It is an attribute that an individual develops at will over time. It is very difficult to persevere though; it requires an enormous amount of inner resolve to stick to a course despite failures. It is however interesting to note that our universe eventually ‘smiles’ on those that persevere in the end. A good example of a man that was persistent in his resolve to attain great heights and who eventually won the battle is Abraham Lincoln. Find below some statistics of this all-time hero:

Abraham Lincoln failed in business at 22 years old
He was defeated in legislator election at 23 years old;
He failed in business again at 24 years old;
He lost his sweetheart at 26 years old;
He had a nervous breakdown at 27 years old;
He was defeated for speaker at 29 years old;
He also got defeated for elector at 31 years old;
At 34 years old, he was defeated for congress;
At the age of 46, he was defeated for senate;
This indomitable man also got defeated for vice presidency at 47 years old;
He got defeated for senate again at 49 years old;
He finally won the battle at 51 years old when he was elected as president of the United States of America.

Abraham Lincoln’s life confirmed the words of the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge; I quote “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will the problems of the human race.”

If Abraham Lincoln could eventually win, you too can win any battle if you are persistent enough. What is there to daunt you? Refuse to be discouraged. Never, never, ever give up on your dreams!