The Truth About Perseverance

Hello Friends, 

It’s Monday and you know it’s time for another #MondayMusing! We’re continuing our January theme which is all about resolutions and transformations. As we explored in last week’s article, the growth and transformation you seek are achievable through growth and patience which require perseverance. Today we’re going to dig into that concept a little bit, after all - what is perseverance? 

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, perseverance is defined as the “quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties.” It embodies resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to see something through to completion. Often when we talk about perseverance we also throw in the words consistency, determination, and patience (you might want to add longsuffering!) Perseverance is often celebrated as one of the most admirable human qualities. However, it’s important to take a closer look at three fundamental truths about perseverance and understand why it’s essential to grasp its deeper significance. Properly understanding perseverance allows us to harness its power effectively, and cultivate a balanced approach to achieving our goals. Let’s get at it!

Truth No. 1: We Are Always Persevering in Something

Perseverance is often associated with positive outcomes, but the truth is, perseverance itself isn’t inherently positive or negative - it is neutral. Whether we like it or not, we are always persevering in some direction. It might not always be toward our goals, but it’s perseverance nonetheless.

Consider this: if you have limiting beliefs about your abilities or your potential to achieve your goals, and you continue to act in ways that reinforce those beliefs, you’re persevering - but in the wrong direction. For example, imagine someone who sets a goal to improve their physical fitness but continues to skip workouts and maintain unhealthy eating habits. While this isn’t the type of perseverance they envisioned, they are demonstrating the ability to persist in behaviors. Unfortunately these behaviours work against their desired outcome.  If you’re loyal to a habit like binge-watching TV instead of focusing on a project, skipping workouts despite wanting to get fit, or staying home instead of attending networking events despite wanting to broaden your network, kudos to you: you know what it is to persevere (just in the opposite direction of your dreams).

The first step to harnessing perseverance for a positive outcome is recognizing that you already have it. You don’t have to go and read books or take courses on perseverance. Now ask yourself: What am I currently persisting in that I want to change? Once you identify those habits, thoughts, or patterns, you can consciously redirect your energy toward actions that align with your goals. So, before you tell yourself you’re not capable of perseverance, look at the patterns in your life. You’ve already proven you can stick to something. Now, choose to channel that perseverance in a way that brings you closer to the person you want to become.

Truth No. 2: Perseverance and Faith Are Best Friends

Perseverance and faith are two sides of the same coin, working together to propel you forward (or backward) in life. It’s like the old saying: “If you believe you can or believe you can’t, either way, you’re right.” Perseverance is the steady, consistent effort you put in, while faith is the belief that your efforts are leading you toward something meaningful. Without faith, perseverance feels hollow, and without perseverance, faith remains just an unfulfilled hope. As we explored in Truth No. 1 it is possible to persevere in habits that harm your progress.

Similarly, it is possible to hold beliefs and have deep rooted faith in the opposite of what you say you want to experience out of life (professional or personal). So here’s the question: What do you believe in? Do you truly believe that better and brighter days are on their way to you? Or do you tell yourself that good things are coming, but deep down you feel undeserving or doubt your ability to make them happen? If you’re in the latter category, simply being told to “just go for it” won’t work for you. Why? Because your limiting beliefs act as a roadblock. This is why fad diets and binge workouts are often unsuccessful in the long run. While they may promise quick results, they fail to address the deeper, underlying factors that influence behavior - particularly the limiting beliefs that shape a person’s relationship with their lifestyle and health. It’s not only about discipline (I’m very disciplined about eating fast food! lol) - it is about underlying beliefs. 

Your mindset plays a critical role in determining the direction of your perseverance. If your inner dialogue is filled with stories of doubt, unworthiness, or fear, you will subconsciously persevere in reinforcing those obstacles. On the other hand, if your mind is rooted in self-belief, hope, and possibility, you will persevere toward your dreams with conviction. 

If you recognize limiting beliefs in yourself, don’t be discouraged - we all have them in one way or the other. Awareness is the first step toward change. Start by questioning those beliefs and replacing them with empowering ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I don’t have what it takes,” try, “I’m learning and growing every day.”

Truth No. 3: Perseverance Requires Flexibility, Not Rigidity

Perseverance is often misunderstood as blindly pushing forward no matter what, but true perseverance is about adaptability. Sticking to your goals doesn’t mean refusing to change course. We should also be open to adjusting our approach while staying committed to our vision.

Life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, the unexpected can actually lead to something better than what you originally envisioned - how’s that for a positive twist? So blindly sticking through a plan that’s not working is not the way to go. Perseverance paired with flexibility allows you to pivot, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward without losing momentum.

So there you have it! Are there any other truths about perseverance you'd like to share? Drop them in the comments. I'll love to hear your insights.

If you’re ready to tackle 2025 with purpose and clarity, join the Konseye Community for our 2025 Vision Board Workshop on 26 January at 3 PM GMT.

This isn’t just another feel-good event. It is a hands-on, practical workshop where you will:

• Unlock the power of visualization: Learn how to use your vision board as a strategic tool to stay focused and motivated throughout the year.

• Walk away with actionable tools: Create a personalized vision board tailored to your goals and gain practical strategies to turn those visions into reality.

• Connect with a like-minded community: Be inspired and supported by fellow dreamers and doers who are ready to make 2025 their best year yet.

  
  

To ensure an immersive and focused experience, spots are limited. The Workshop is exclusive to Konseye members, but here’s the good news—membership is free! Don’t miss this opportunity to set your vision and equip yourself with the tools to make it happen.

Have a wonderful week, and remember: with the right network, anything is possible!

Adejoké

Team Konseye