9Maintaining Perseverance
Developing “bounce‐backability” is imperative.
DETERMINATION. STICK‐TO‐ITIVENESS. NEVER, never, never give up. We've all heard such words of encouragement a lot. Sir Winston Churchill was known for them, encouraging the British people in the depths of World War II. It is said that such resolve helped the British endure and emerge triumphant from the war.
This mindset of Perseverance is one that you must have and maintain to Pivot for Success. The reason is simple: things rarely go exactly as planned. Shift happens—and that is not a typo. Things shift. Murphy's Law kicks in. The competition beats you to the end zone. A pandemic hits the world, and suddenly your own world changes in ways you never imagined—how you work, how you live, with whom you interact and how.
As you Pivot toward success, unforeseen events will arise. How you respond will determine if you eventually get there. In my life, I have relied on the Serenity Prayer to help me when I face uncertainty and challenges. Indeed, it has helped millions respond in times of upheaval:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
When you break these phrases down in challenging situations, it can bring much‐needed calm to your mind, as well as courage to your heart and fortitude to empower your decision‐making process. It has for me, many times.
On a lighter note, I also keep the Energizer Bunny ...
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