The Power of Persistence!
I had a recent conversation with my teenage son on his goal to be one of the highest ranking “MVP”s (Most Valued Player) in his favourite online game. He was recounting his efforts in making daily progress and collecting badges and ranking points in this game. He plays the game whenever he can carve out time from his school work and other activities. He gives up sleep, much to my disapproval, just to “grind” the game during weekends. He grins in satisfaction whenever he sees his name moving up in the ranks of global players. There is, of course, the anguish and pain when he encounters a losing streak which then causes him to drop several notches from his desired ranking position. He has even declared numerous times, out of frustration, that he will never play the game again! Does he stop? The answer is no. I believe that he doesn’t quit playing this game despite the agony of countless defeat because he finds meaning and a sense of purpose in it. That’s what keeps him going! I personally don’t see the purpose but who am I to judge? We are all unique individuals. The beauty is that we all find meaning and purpose in something that may be completely nonsensical to everyone else!
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
Have you felt similar motivation and drive to pursue a goal, an aspiration or a dream just like my son with his online game? How did you keep yourself going despite the hardship, the fatigue, the disappointments and the obstacles? Who were your greatest supporters, your cheerleaders? How did you stay focus to reach the light at the end of the long tunnel? Despite the difficulties and the challenges, would you give up your goal or your dream? I believe you wouldn’t because you find meaning and purpose, even a calling, in your pursuit to make your dream a reality.
Photo by Christiaan Huynen on Unsplash
My journey to be a certified professional coach was exactly that…a journey. There were moments when I felt that I have taken on too much during my training, given my commitments in my work and family. I felt discouraged when the light at the end of the tunnel seemed so far away. There were road blocks, delays and naysayers who made my journey even harder.
How did I stay the course despite the challenges, the long hours and my inner self critic? It’s because I find meaning and purpose in being a professional coach. I believe that it is my calling, that God intended me to use this gift to help people who are looking for their own purpose and meaning in life. The wonderful thing about training as a coach is that you reap the benefits of being coached by your peer coaches. These wonderful coaches have helped me gain clarity and self-awareness to stay motivated and focused towards my goal to complete my professional coach certification and start my coaching business.
What thoughts and feelings come up for you when you read this blog? Are you staying the course towards your goals and dreams? Do you need support and encouragement to persist, to move forward and to keep going towards the light at the end of your tunnel? I would be honoured to be your companion traveller in this exciting journey! Contact me today to find your power of persistence!
