Perseverance as a Spiritual Virtue

~Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance. Samuel Johnson~

Perseverance is overcoming difficulties and problems that first seem overwhelming.  This was expertly described by an article several years ago in Diabetic Forecast Magazine. It detailed the story of a young man who suffered a traumatic childhood.  At an early age, he turned to alcohol and drugs. Years later, he developed diabetes but continued to abuse alcohol and drugs and neglect his body. He described being caught in a vicious cycle where he could not stop his drug abuse.   In his early 30’s, he lost his sight due to his drug/alcohol abuse and not taking care of his diabetes.  When confronted with his circumstances, he decided to turn his life around and seek recovery from his demons. He committed to make positive changes one day at a time.  After a few short years of physical and psychological rehab, he began training to walk the Appalachian Trail. When he completed the Appalachian Trail, he cited the grace of making positive commitments.   He accomplished his goal by not staying stuck in his failures.  He was able to rise above his past disappointments. His early steps of perseverance helped him gain the confidence and self-worth to accomplish his ultimate goal!

5 Positive Steps Toward Perseverance

1.  Observe and be okay with your feelings. Learn that life is about being reasonably happy which includes moments of sadness and anger as well as contentment. When feelings are denied, they tend to resurface with more intensity. Life is a process of being okay in the moment.
    
2. Spend time alone in meditation.  Time spent in meditation changes a worrisome mindset to a positive one. Deepak Chopra suggests going to a park bench on a sunny day. He says to enjoy the day by not letting worries cloud the mind. Instead focus on what is right in your life.
    
3. Stay connected with positive people. It is one matter to go through problems by yourself. It is another, to go through life with people who care. Close supportive friends and family makes a difference.   Encouragement and help makes tough days more tolerable and easy.
   
   
4. Trust your instincts and make productive decisions. Learning to make good decisions is a skill. Developed over time, this skill becomes a heartfelt direction.  When confronted with stress, try to stay calm. Rely on your inner peace to sort out the situation and make positive decisions. 
   
   
5. Be willing to compromise. Long-term success typically requires getting along with others.   At times, it’s helpful to sacrifice being right in order to get along with family, friends, or team members.  We don’t always have to be right all the time.  What is important is the meaning given to being part of a team to achieve your goals.

Perseverance is adhering to a course of action, embracing beliefs and defining a purpose.  When Thomas Edison was interviewed about creating the light bulb, he stated he did not consider the first 3,000 attempts as a failure.  He said that each attempt was a stepping stone.  The Methodist Healthcare EAP would like to help you increase your perseverance. Call us at 901-683-5658 for a free, confidential appointment to help you or any member of your household with working more effectively or any other life issues. We are here to help you.
 

  Jody Long, LCSW received his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1989.  He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and counselor with Methodist Healthcare Employee Assistance Program. He has experience with psychiatric social work and   education.  He enjoys helping people persevere and achieve their life goals.