Value focus: Perseverance

“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” - John D. Rockefeller

IN THE midst of adversity, challenges, rejections, discouragements or even failures that may seem too daunting to get through, only those who persevere finish even stronger. These are the people who embrace a never-give-up mindset and a keep-going attitude. As every battle is deemed winnable, they face every opposition and obstacle head-on. They are unstoppable l having the grace to govern their thoughts, speech and actions, and the power to prevail in every circumstance. They have the tenacity and staying power to complete the assignment with excellence despite all odds in relationships, resources, systems and processes or other pertinent factors impacting them. Such is the kind of men and women we need in our homes, communities and in workplaces l men and women who display remarkable amount of perseverance.

Perseverance calls for steadfastness and persistent determination in pursuing our vision, mission, aspirations or assignments in the context of family, work, community and our nation. With a firm resolve, perseverance enables one to withstand all forms of obstacles and weather every setback. When passion seems to fade away and disillusion sets in, perseverance calls us to go back to the purpose of our pursuit and, more often than not, even the very purpose of our existence.

Do we give up too soon? Or are we at the brink of giving up as a result of discouragements, challenges or the situation appears heading nowhere? Or have we resorted to inaction brought by past failure, negative feedback or rejection? Or have we surrendered to the monotonous life at work and home and let each day pass us by without meaning? If yes, let this call to persevere awaken us and bring us back on course. Perseverance does not require big steps. It is nurtured in small steps, which starts with an invaluable choice l to keep moving, keep learning, carry on and persist, such that when the going gets tough the tough get going.

Successful people have mastered the art of perseverance. The likes of Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, J.K. Rowling, Manny Pacquiao and other successful personalities have long stories of failure to share. But with determination and tenacity, they have weathered all challenges to become a vict or.

Just like the athletes who undergo rigorous training and discipline to win the prize, let us persevere to finish the race in our respective homes, community, workplace, and in our nation. Arise, persevere and live as overcomers for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Saint Paul). This makes every battle winnable.

— Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values