When is the last time you wanted to give up on something or someone?

Today you might feel that way or you felt that way yesterday. You’re not alone!

There are times when quitting is advisable, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about that inner quality we need to strengthen when the right thing to do is keep going. It’s called perseverance.

Perseverance is defined as:

“continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”

Where do you need some encouragement to hang in there and not quit?

Maybe you want to quit…
…grieving
…a difficult task
…your education
…a relationship
…a habit that is helping but so hard
…yourself

Just hang on for another day and let these five reasons inspire you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Five Reasons Why Perseverance is Your Best Choice

1. Others need the encouragement from watching you

Whether we realize it or not, others draw strength from our perseverance. Don’t just keep going for you — keep going because the perseverance of others is tied to your willingness to not give up.

For you it might be your kids who are watching or your friends or your partner or a neighbor or those you work with.

2. One year from now you’ll be glad you did

Sometimes the tough situations we are in today take on new meaning a year from now. There is power in choosing a different perspective. Yesterday’s challenges can look smaller in the rear view mirror.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you…never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. — Harriet Beecher Stowe

3. Pressing on in the midst of a struggle will strengthen your ability to persevere in the future

If we give up on something today, we might be forfeiting the workout that will build muscle for a greater challenge in the future. Tests and trials today prepare you for bigger struggles yet to come.

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run. — Babe Ruth

4. The greater the struggle, the deeper the lesson

If you want to grow in wisdom and grit, sticking it out when the going gets tough is often one of the best teachers. If you give up too soon, you may miss a life changing lesson that you need to be the person you want to become.

5. Delayed gratification (in the long-term) is more rewarding than giving in to every natural impulse

It may not feel like it in the moment, but waiting for a test to pass and exercising grit creates patience and ultimately greater joy in life. If you always give in to your emotional impulses and bailing when life gets hard, you’ll become a chronic quitter and with that comes a life void of peace and contentment.

Personal Reflections

This week I celebrated my 14th Crashiversary — the day (April 23, 2011) Vicky and I had our life altering motorcycle accident. As I reflect on that difficult time in my life, I’m grateful for how I was able to persevere and not give up. In spite of 10 surgeries and many hours of suffering, it does look small as I look at it now. I also learned some powerful lessons that are with me to this day.

I also know that what I learned during that season prepared me for the loss of my wife Vicky. My trials have changed me but with perseverance, I am a stronger person and can now help others with the same help I'‘ve received.

Regardless of how hard life is for you right now, let me encourage you to keep going. Put one foot in front of other and believe that in time, the intensity of your situation will be reduced and you find a way forward.

Reflection Questions

Why might it be worthwhile to persevere in your current situation?
Who is watching your life and finding encouragement from your perseverance?
What difficult event in your life in the past now looks small when seeing it today?
Check out my new book:
Unlocking the Mystery of Grief

Five Reasons to Choose Perseverance