Persistence
per·sist·ence
Trying again tomorrow, even after today didn't go to plan. Persistence is quiet hope in action.
Another way of seeing it
The Roman poet Ovid observed that dripping water hollows out stone, not by force but by falling often. Persistence doesn't need to be dramatic. A small effort, repeated, can reshape what once looked immovable.
In relationships
If a conversation keeps going wrong, don't give up on it. Try a different time, a different place, a different first sentence.
In the ordinary day
Go back to something you gave up on too early. Try it once more today, a different way.
A question to sit with
What would happen if you simply didn't stop?
Carry this with you
Keep the goal. Change the path.
Where it comes from
From the Latin persistere, to continue steadfastly. To persist is to keep standing firm over time.
Try this today
Take one more step on something you nearly gave up on.
Journal prompts for Persistence
- What have I achieved simply by not stopping?
- Where am I close to quitting, and why?
- What would make it easier to keep going?
Did this word resonate with you today?
Know someone who might need this word?