Sometimes it is difficult to achieve your goals. Firm or obstinate continuance of your efforts, in spite of the difficulty or opposition being experienced may be in order.

Persistence can be an admirable trait as long as it is well thought out. Persistence for it’s own sake could be characterized as stubbornness.

That is, having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something although there may be good reason to do so, does not make sense (i.e., stubbornness should be avoided).

Achievement

Being persistent can be a key underpinning of many great successes, however, knowing when to quit is critical. The proverbial banging your head against a concrete wall in frustration is typically not a useful approach.

The keys to the effective practice of persistence are:

• Achievement of the goal is feasible (it can be done within the constraints you are under)
• The value equation is positive, that is the outcomes merit the expenditure of persistent effort that will be required.
• The application of common sense, i.e., stopping based on changing circumstances or revising approach

Determination

One facet of persistence is the exercise of determination. Demonstrating a firmness of purpose based on logical analysis is key to persistence.

Most importantly this is not blind determination at all costs. To be most effective it should be apparent the motivation underlying the desire to achieve is well reasoned.

Being determined does not equate to never giving up but rather not giving up if that is appropriate based on the circumstances. Showing determination when success is unlikely is most likely a waste of effort.