Child-Like Persistence

Develop this habit, and notice the difference it makes in your life!

Table of Contents:

1. Baby Steps
2. Feature Article: CHILD-LIKE PERSISTENCE
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Resources: Success
5. Self-Care
6. Final Thoughts

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1. Baby Steps

The ability to persist despite hardships and setbacks is a critical
success factor. Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there!

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2. Feature Article: CHILD-LIKE PERSISTENCE

As a student of personal development and success, I am always
looking out for examples of success and accomplishment. I
continually seek ways that people are applying the keys to success
in their lives. This week I found that in my children.

I offer the following illustrations:

(1) "Daddy, can you please get me some water?"
"Yes."
(30 seconds later) "Daddy, can you get my water right now please?"
(15 seconds later) "Daddy, get my water right now!"

(2) "Dad, can we get a ________ (fill in the blank)?"
"Yes."
"When can we get it?
"Can we get it today?"
"When today?"
"Can we go there right now?"
Etc., etc., etc.

These conversations, though we often consider them annoying,
illustrate the persistence that children so often display. Just as
children persist relentlessly in pursuit of their simple pleasures,
successful people also persevere obstinately in pursuit of their goals.
Indeed, the ability to persist despite hardships and setbacks is a
critical factor in their success.

Interestingly, a habit that comes so easily for a child is a common
weakness in adults. Why is it that a child is so relentless over a glass
of water, yet as adults we give up at the first sign of opposition or
misfortune? How can a child carry on in spite of all opposition for
a mere piece of candy or a toy, yet a salesman packs up his bag
after getting a minor objection from a prospect, foregoing several
thousand dollars in commission? The difference is what I call child-
like persistence.

Possessing the habit of persistence is a must if you want to be
successful. By following the six steps below, you will indeed
develop child-like persistence.

1. Know exactly what you want. This is the first step, and the most
important one.

2. Have a strong desire to get it. Without intense desire, a salesman
will not stick around to respond to the ninth objection that a
prospect raises.

3. Have a definite plan for getting what it is that you want. A
sharpened saw is much more effective than a dull one, and a well-
organized plan will keep you on track.

4. Take continuous action until your outcome is achieved. Never,
never, NEVER give up.

5. Close your mind tightly to the possibility of not getting it. Do this
despite the negative opinions and discouraging influences of those
around you.

6. Adjust, if necessary. Don't be a bull in a china shop. Rather, be
flexible, adjust and experiment with different solutions.

Develop the habits above, and notice the difference that it makes
in your personal and professional life!

If you have been successful in applying these habits, please share
your story with us! And if there are other traits that you think should
have been included, please email me. I'd love to hear from you!

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3. Quotes

Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the
success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a
difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you
will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.
Helen Keller

Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.
Bo Jackson

Quitters never win, and winners never quit.

Nothing in this 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.
Calvin Coolidge

Continuous effort--not strength or intelligence--is the key to
unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill

Perseverance, n. A lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an
inglorious success.
Ambrose Bierce

Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.
Investors Business Daily

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4. Recommended Resources: Success

Think and Grow Rich
by Napolean Hill

This is one of the classics of personal development literature,
and is a "must read" if you are serious about achieving your
goals.
To order tape set, click here
To order book, click here

Awaken the Giant Within
by Anthony Robbins

The creator of acclaimed personal achievement programs and
the author of the best-selling Unlimited Power reveals the
proven steps to self-mastery. Robbins shares the secrets of his
exclusive "Date with Destiny" seminars, describing how
unconscious beliefs control our behavior and how we can make
immediate changes to accomplish our goals.
To order book, click here

Maximum Achievement
by Brian Tracy

A renowned motivational expert presents his powerful and
pragmatic lessons to help readers reach peak performance,
personally and professionally. Tracy's straightforward advice
is accompanied by easy-to-do exercises and enhanced with
inspiring stories of successful, highly motivated achievers in
many fields.
To order book, click here

The Psychology of Achievement
by Brian Tracy

This remarkable program reveals strategies to elevate your
income, put your career on the fast track and accomplish more
than you ever dreamed possible.
To order tape set, click here

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5. Self-Care

One of the most important things we can do for our careers and
businesses, as well as for our own well being, is to take time off.
For success-oriented people, that's almost like saying "don't
breathe." For entrepreneurs and business owners, every day is a
possible work day. And even if you're an employee, if you're
dedicated, it's difficult to "leave everything at the office."

Yet free time is essential, and actually helps us to perform most
effectively when we are working. By enjoying time free of all
work-related thought and activity, we rejuvenate our minds and
bodies, and enjoy the other aspects of our lives like family,
recreation and hobbies.

Below is a suggested framework for planning your time off. Adjust
it to fit your needs, but start making time off a priority in your life.
You'll become more successful in your career or business, and in
other areas of your life, too.

At least one day off per week - 52 days per year
Holidays - 7 days
One four day weekend per quarter - 13 days (4 x 4 less the one
day above)
Three weeks of vacation per year - 18 days (3 x 7 less the one
day above)
Total = 90 days

If you can manage two days off (remember, totally non-work
days!) per week, then add another 52 days. Shoot for 150 days
off, or more, while maintaining or increasing your present income.

Finally, wherever you are, be there. Work when you're at work,
and play when you're at play. And if you're going to the beach,
leave your cell phone in the car!

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6. Final Thoughts

YOU MUSTN'T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! If you must--but never quit.

Life is queer, with it twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt--
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that YOU MUSTN'T QUIT.

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Thank you for reading the LifeExcellence Newsletter. Be
PERSISTENT this week!
- Brian Bartes

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