Posted by For an ambitious man, who wants to be great, to do something worthwhile and to move from his present state to get more for himself. So he sits down, and asks himself some pertinent questions in relation to his circumstances. When those questions are answered, he then proceeds in mapping out a plan to achieve his goal. After every plan, there is the next step of beginning; that is, taking action. Then he begins, the first day, the second day, maybe one week and he is tired. He begins to question his big goals, his achievement. Is this ever going to be possible?
Now, he is faced with two choices; one giving up or staying on and pursuing his dreams and goals. He has to make these decisions carefully as they would determine the next phase of his life. For every dream or goal, there is a point where the fine art of continuing to work towards your vision comes in. The decision to persevere, and to keep pressing on amidst the hurdles of life.
What does it mean to keep on? How is it an art? It begins with a thought. One does not pursue a thing if he has no idea or a picture of what that thing is. With every drive or pursuit, there is an already established thoughts about it. Your thoughts determine your vision whether positive or negative. Each thoughts formed determines the drive towards a particular goal.
So to persist in the path of goal achievement, having positive thoughts is a must. Why? Will power is strengthened by positive thoughts. The end result of whatever you want is in your head, in your mind’s eye. When you have a mental picture of where you are going to, and what you want, the obstacles in front or on the path to achieving your goals will be so inconsequential as compared to your big dreams.
Still on the art of keeping on is “Words of affirmation”. Quoting directly from Oprah Winfrey
“Every time you state what you want or believe, you are the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself”.
This is quite clear, to never underestimate the power of words. Whatever you say to yourself, is what you see. The direct result of what you get is through your words. If you say you are going to get that thing and achieve that big dream, you will definitely get it. You will call on the power of the universe to help you achieve your goals, whatever you say works for you.
Another on this list of learning the art of keeping on or continuing is celebrating your wins. First, every day your feet hits the floor, and you are able to take a step towards the achievement of your dreams is a cause for celebration. Perhaps you have heard people use words like “small wins” and “big wins”. These words put a pressure on people and they tend to get easily discouraged because they haven’t had any huge leap. It is not supposed to be so. Every win is a win, deliberately celebrate every little step and progress you’ve made.
Following closely to celebrating wins, is the practice of gratitude. If one is not thankful for the gift of today, he probably might not appreciate tomorrow, especially when things do not work out the way he wants. Be grateful you have a break today, smile when you are confused about your dreams being valid or not and give thanks. If you are able to achieve something today, give thanks for it, only then can you attract more to yourself.
Last but not the least on this is learning from those whose lives portrayed dogged perseverance. There are people who learnt the art of keeping on, of not giving up no matter the circumstances they faced. From Muhammed Ali, the great Champion to Thomas Edison and then to Nelson Mandela who through staying power he obtained freedom for his country and even got a Noble Peace prize for it.
These people gave their all to their dreams and vision. Nothing could deter them or chart them off course.
Keeping on or persevering is an art that can be learnt. It is a mindset, born out of a will, out of a strong reason not to give up, no matter what. And everyone can learn not to give up, everyone can practice the fine art of keeping on.