This post is in continuation of yesterday’s topic on persistence. And for the record, I restarted reading the chapter for the 5th time today. If you thought what’s the big deal about reading a chapter for 15 or 30 consecutive days… you clearly haven’t carried out this exercise yourself. If you haven’t, try it, it’ll reveal how persistent you are with your goals, plans, and life in general. I surely am convinced I’ve got a long way to go.
Carrying this exercise is just one of those confidence-building exercises that will carry over to the other aspects of my life. At least that’s how I want this to pan out.
Chapter 9 of Think and Grow Rich also details how to develop persistence. It’s just four steps but it takes a lifetime to master these steps. Study the steps below and judge for yourself. They’re deceptively simple but once mastered apply to all walks of life.
In Napoleon Hill’s words, “There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of PERSISTENCE. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort.”
- A DEFINITE PURPOSE BACKED BY BURNING DESIRE FOR ITS FULFILLMENT. They say dreams aren’t concrete and hope can never be a strategy. You have really want it to be able to see things coming to fruition. The quickest way to know if you really want anything is to ask yourself WHY you want it in the first place. Your WHY will determine your purpose and fuel your desire to achieve it.
- A DEFINITE PLAN, EXPRESSED IN CONTINUOUS ACTION. Once you know your WHY… work on the HOW unless you’re one those who merely wishes things to get better but doesn’t really want to do anything about it. If that’s the case, don’t even bother to read this blog. I’m sure there are better things to do than that. You need to detail HOW you’re going to achieve what you want to. Anything less is merely wishing.
- A MIND CLOSED TIGHTLY AGAINST ALL NEGATIVE AND DISCOURAGING INFLUENCES, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances. Your greatest enemies are your friends, relatives and acquaintances — sorry for being harsh — especially the ones who play the “devil’s advocate.” Stay away from them. No exceptions. Your ideas need to be protected when they’re in infancy else the negativity of these “devil’s advocates” are going to kill it. Besides, work on yourself to develop enough mental strength that you’re able to guard yourself against all that negativity. That’ll go a long way.
- A FRIENDLY ALLIANCE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS WHO WILL ENCOURAGE ONE TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH PLAN AND PUR POSE. When the rubber meets the road it’s just the people who’ve treaded where you are can help you with your journey. Nobody can possibly get through the journey towards success all alone and come out alive. You ought to have allies and you better start searching for them right now. These are your coaches, mentors and teachers guiding you all the way to hold you accountable and ensure that you stay on track. Seek these people. You need them if you’re serious about yourself and your life.
Like I mentioned earlier, these four steps will see through your life. Just don’t expect them to master them all at once. It takes people a lifetime to get a grip on these steps. So, take it easy but embrace these steps and get working.