Think for a moment. What do the names of Sanders, Lincoln, and Daniels all have in common? Each one of these men has been associated with the idea of success in one form or another. Colonel Sanders founded and developed one of the most successful restaurant chains in the United States. Mr. Lincoln is considered by many to be one of the most important Presidents of this country. Mr. Daniels has developed a thriving consulting business that has him billing out at $10,000 per hour. All three, in their time were the dynamos that everyone had to contend with.
What you may not realize is that one of the reasons why each one of these men was so successful is because they persisted when everything and nearly everyone around them was indicating failure. They refused to give in in the face of adversity and glaring opposition. Did you know, for example, that President Lincoln had at least two failed attempts at becoming an elected official? He also had a number of unsuccessful attempts at business. Still he persisted, eventually winning more votes than any other of his competitors entering into the Congress. From there he eventually became president during one of the most influential presidencies in our history.
Colonel Sanders began his fried chicken empire by providing home cooked meals to weary travelers on his own dining room table at the gasoline station that employed him. Eventually his persistence in serving Sunday dinner-style meals seven days a week eventually earned him enough fans to open his own restaurant across the street. In less than a decade, his persistence helped to open nearly 600 franchises across the United States and Canada. Today, the company he founded boosts over 32,500 restaurants worldwide. Don't forget about Mr. Daniels. Mr. Daniels became one of the most sought after consultants in the world today. He got there by overcoming adversities right and left, including bankruptcy and illiteracy, to name a few.
Persistence can be defined as refusing to give up when faced with adversity or opposition. It could be as simple as trying over and over again until you make the three point jump shot, or complex as developing a new business. The greatness of the situation, the greatness that you have, is not measured by what is accomplished. It is measured by how many times you pick yourself up and try to succeed.
Where do you need to pick yourself up and try again?