Let’s talk about persistence. It’s the focus of Scroll III in Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman In the World and a key to successfully attaining or achieving your Definite Purpose In Life. In fact when you look at the step or habit of this scroll it’s pretty blunt.
“I [will] persist until I succeed.”
Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman In the World
During last year’s journey I highlighted the story of D.J. Gregory, someone who embodied the essence of this scroll and persistence. The scroll itself highlights the missing key for many who pursue their goals and dreams but fall short. This is because ultimately when the going gets tough or multiple attempts at accomplishment fail the choice is made to give up instead of trying again.
Examples of Persistence
As one looks throughout history there are many examples of where persistence led to success. Thomas Edison, inventor of the phonograph and electrical lamp, was told by his teachers that he was too stupid and was fired from his first two jobs. James Dotson had over 5,000 failed prototypes over 15 years prior to developing the famous Dyson vacuum.
In the entertainment arena Walt Disney is a household name. Yet he was told by an editor while working at a newspaper that he lacked imagination and good ideas. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld was booed off the stage at his first comedy performance when he froze. Author J.K. Rowling was on welfare and had numerous books rejected before writing the best-selling Harry Potter series that has become iconic.
Dr. Seuss had his first book rejected 27 times. The King, Elvis Presley, was fired after his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry and told he should return to truck driving. And President Abraham Lincoln had several failed runs at political office prior to his election to the highest elected office in the United States.
And that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to persistence examples.
Throughout this journey known as the Master Key Experience to this point it’s been said countless times that a key to achieving what you’ve identified as your Definite Major Purpose is a burning desire. It is something each of those mentioned above had, a desire to win when it came to their dharma. Perhaps Brian McKnight says it best with his hit song about this idea of persist until I succeed and ultimately winning.
Here are some additional insights from Week 11 of the Master Key Experience 2020:
What an insightful blog! Thank you for sharing it…
Brad, good for you for recognizing the importance of a burning desire. From your blog rover friend John.
The DJ Gregory clip was so powerful – makes us wonder what’s holding us back! (please follow me at http://www.kanott.com)
Yes, persistence is really to key to success in all areas of our lives. Thanks for the share. All the Best.