Persevering Through to the Finish Line

By Diana Duke, secretary on Momivate's Team

Photo Credit: Adam Winger on Unsplash.com

• Grabbing a book at the grocery store from a favorite author even though the last book that was purchased has not even been started...
• Craft projects that remain undone because they require supplies that need to be purchased first...
• A commitment to self to run a marathon, but never seem to complete the first mile of training... 

Starting things and never seeing them to the finish line is a problem that many people are constantly dealing with.  Why do so many well-intentioned plans fall short?

There are two things that a person can do to develop perseverance so they'll eventually cross the finish line:
1. set goals and
2. surround yourself with people that will support your dreams.

The chronic dream chaser can increase their chances for success if they build their goal setting skills. According to a Harvard Business study, people are 10 times more likely to succeed when they set goals!  Professor Gail Matthews, a psychologist from the Dominican University of California, found that the chances double when goals are written down. Her research shows that those who commit their goal-setting to paper actually achieved more compared to those who were simply asked to think of what they wanted to accomplish in life. 

Setting goals can set you on the path of perseverance, but to increase the likelihood of success, you'll need to surround yourself with a support team that will encourage success. 

There are many different types of support systems that can help someone succeed.  For a student struggling to succeed in math, there are math labs, tutors, on-line support systems and  study groups.  For an addict trying to overcome substance abuse, there are state agencies, community outreach programs, counselors, and family members that are so very willing to help the addict overcome.  Whatever the environment, whatever the dream, there are people who will help you achieve your dreams. So, to persevere and cross the finish line, look for people to support your dreams. 

Developing the trait of perseverance will require goal setting and finding support people to help you cross the finish line.  Avoid the truth of the adage “a goal without a plan is just a wish” by writing down your goals! Then, find good people that are knowledgeable and want to see you succeed. After all, Walter Elliot said it best: 

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.

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