The_Definition_Of_Perseverance

							The Definition Of Perseverance

Word Count:
484

Summary:
The dictionary definition of perseverance isn't enough. Here is a new
one, a definition of 'wise perseverance."


Keywords:
definition of peseverance, perseverance, self improvement


Article Body:
The definition of perseverance, from a dictionary: "Persisting in or
remaining constant to a purpose, idea or task in spite of obstacles."
Given that defintion, you can see that perseverance can clearly be a both
a good thing and a bad thing. Sometimes, when you find yourself wanting
to quit something, that might be the wisest choice.

<b>A New Definition: Wise Perseverance</b>

"Persisting in or remaining constant to a purpose, idea or task in spite
of obstacles, when such persistence is congruent with higher values." In
other words, if in your hierarchy of values, happiness ranks higher than
money, don't persist in making money in ways that cause you to be
unhappy. If making money is ranked higher than a particular business, you
might need to quit the business when you see a better way. Persist in the
pursuit of your values, but not necessarily in the means to achieve them.

The problem with the idea that you should quit when something isn't worth
the effort, is that it's often used as a rationalization. The idea of
quitting comes to mind when the effort is difficult, but really does
serve your purposes. This is confusing at times, so how do you wisely
persevere? Here are three ways.

 1. Watch yourself objectively: Note when you look for excuses, rather
than the truth. Ask questions. Is it possible you're letting fear or
laziness cause you to quit or to procrastinate? Is there a pattern in
your life that is repeating here?

Honestly and objectively watching ourselves is difficult. You can
probably think of a time when you saw that a friend was lying to himself
about something. Your perspective was more objective than his. Why not
use this objectivity of an "outsider" to catch your own little lies?
Before quitting anything, explain your reasoning to a friend, and ask him
to honestly tell you what he thinks. He's more likely than you to
recognize your rationalizations.

 2. Look at costs and benefits: To wisely persevere, you need to see the
costs and benefits of what you are doing. If moving to Hollywood to
become a star is going to cost you your business or family life, you have
to see that clearly before you decide. An honest and good decision
requires honest and good information, and when you are more certain about
your decision, you are more likely to find the strength to persevere.

 3. Learn to motivate yourself: When you've made a decision, and you're
sure you made it for the right reasons, you have to motivate yourself. In
fact, perseverance requires that you regularly re-motivate yourself.
Write goals down, do daily affirmations, and whatever else works for you.

Start watching yourself, and make self-awareness a habit. Get used to
analyzing costs and benefits objectively. Find ways to motivate yourself.
Do these three things and you will wisely persist. That's a more useful
definition of perseverance.