All too often, adversity blinds us to the opportunities that lie just behind the bend in the road. It is only those with the determination and the will to win from within who realize you cannot have greatness without some resistance. Those who continually persist and discipline their minds and bodies to overcome obstacles ultimately achieve excellence.
Persistence is the will that drives a person to endure that sometimes bumpy ride. Recognize there will be failures on the road to greatness. Believe in yourself, and don’t lose sight of your vision, goals, and why you started. Inspirational speaker and former Tennessee Volunteers football player Inky Johnson captures the essence of persistence brilliantly. He says, “Commitment is staying true to what you said you would do long after the mood that you said it in has left.”
During these challenging times, we need to pull ideas from everywhere, while remaining open to having our minds changed. An idea is not going to do anything for us until we do something productive with it. We have a unique opportunity to develop new mental muscles today that will serve us for years to come. Think bigger while being a part of something greater than yourself.
Life is filled with unanswered questions. Questions that teach us the most about who we are and what we stand for. Be patient and kind with your self-discovery journey while exploring the world and people around you. No matter the discomfort or uncertainty, hold yourself to the highest standards. We have the chance to get better, not bitter. There is no transforming the future without disrupting the present. It is only through enduring the pain of the struggle that we can genuinely appreciate the fruits of our labor.