Stick-to-it-iveness Aint Easy But It’s Critical
Stick-to-it-iveness Aint Easy But It’s Critical
ByA wise man once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Do you make excuses for not being able to do great things in life? Sometimes we want the end results but we don’t necessarily want to do the hard work that it takes to get there.
Discipline is a powerful trait to have because it keeps us on top of our toes in terms of growth and overcoming challenges. Discipline provides a rebuttal for every excuse that we make and gives us the motivation to work hard regardless of those excuses.
I looked up the definition of discipline on the web and it is defined as: “a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior c : self-control.” (Merriam-webster.com)
Let’s say you want to start a work out routine. Many times we make excuses for ourselves on why we shouldn’t work out or why we should quit after not seeing results. Those excuses are a direct result of our negative self talk.
It takes self-discipline to not only start a work out routine but to be committed to it. It’s almost like we have to take a personal oath when we set a new goal in our life. Whether it be working out, starting a business, learning an instrument or even learning a sport.
The above quote should hit home because it reminds us that in order to spread light we have to make the choice to be the candle that emits the light or the mirror that reflects it.
The great leaders of our world didn’t get where they are making excuses. If they made excuses we wouldn’t be in the world we live in today with all the advanced technology, medical discoveries and great accomplishments such as our first black president, Barack Obama.
I’m reminded of Thomas Edison, inventor of the electric light bulb, and how it was reported that he had 9000 failed attempts at inventing the light bulb. And finally one day, after years of perseverance and determination, the electric light bulb was born. And when Edison was asked how it felt to have failed 9000 times he replied, “I was glad, because every time I found another way NOT to invent the light bulb.”
After the first few attempts he could have easily given in to the peer pressure of his friends telling him that he’d gone to far, quit while you’re ahead. No he was determined and disciplined enough not to throw in the towel or give in to the excuses of why he should give it up.
Friends, the greatest inventors weren’t lucky enough to have everything fall in place after just one shot at it. It’s just like the great saying, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.” I encourage you to develop the stick-to-it-iveness that it takes to achieve whatever you want to accomplish in life. The first sign of failure is not the time to give up, its just a learning experience of what NOT to do next time.
Related Posts
Author: Jarrod Clark (478 Articles)
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Jarrod Clark, author and founder of OptimisticJourney.com and my goal for this blog is to provide inspirational messages for maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. To find out more about me, check out the About Jarrod tab at the top of the page and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks!
