Coaching Tip of the Month: March 2011 Persistence

Persistence pays off. Most people will never do something. Some will dare to do it once. Few will stick in there until the results are achieved. Which are you?

I was clearing out my filing cabinet to purge old data when I discovered a tattered and ripped piece of a magazine page. Here's what it said:

A word about persistence and determination....

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
-Calvin Coolidge
30th President of US (1872-1933)

To be more persistent, just practice it. Write down something you want to do. Tell people about it and ask them to ask you for updates. Do it. Continue to follow-up and repeat as necessary. Just work on being more persistent at one thing. Then another. Then another. Soon practice will make perfect (or near perfect) and you'll see the fruits of your labor.

When someone says they'll get back to you, don't wait around. Get back to them. Don't wait for answers, seek them out. Don't be afraid to ask busy people for an answer- likely you are on their list but way down there. They'll be appreciative they get to answer and move on.

Start to check things OFF your to-do list today.