Never Give up on Your Dream

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people 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

When was the last time that you wanted something as much as Cody the penguin wants to be selected for a surfer’s contest in this Surf’s Up movie clip? His passion trumps the lack of support by his family, his circumstances and even the decision maker’s opinion. He knew that he had something to offer even if others around him couldn’t see it.

Persistence is when you determine to not let your energy or enthusiasm be dampened by the nay sayers, or your disappointments or failures. To be persistent is to keep your eye on the prize of your dream or goal no matter what. Every challenge and disappointment is there to teach you something that will help you succeed. So if you take those challenges as opportunities to learn how to grow from it and still move forward, you will get to your dream.

I recall a consulting opportunity that I applied for and didn’t get one year. The next year, I tried for it again, having learned more about the client and their needs, and that time I got it. It has lead to many more opportunities since too. If I had given up after not receiving the opportunity the first time, I would have missed many blessings. Have you ever forged ahead with a goal even in the face of discouragement? What did you learn or accomplish as a result of sticking it out?

Never give up on your dream!