Monday, June 9, 2008

Persistence and Determination

"Nothing has come easy for me," said my friend Tony, "I've had to work hard for everything in life. It's all about a person's determination, " he explained. "I agree," I said, "Nothing has come easy for me either and I don't think I'm brilliant or anything...but I sure am persistent." Tony and I both believe it's all about persistence and determination. At least that's what our lives have taught us. He shared examples from his experience and I from mine. That was easy! I've got a million stories to share with anyone willing to listen!

And sure enough, today started out OK at work. When I got to the office I jotted down about ten things I needed to accomplish. But as typical, it ended up being a kick "bottom" kind of day. By day's end, I looked at my list and I had only checked off three things. And one of them my secretary actually did for me. So...that means I'm starting my day tomorrow in the red. And I'm feeling a bit of pressure. There is still no replacement for me at my current job and I was hoping to begin handing things off by now and getting the new person up to speed. That also leaves me little time to make all the necessary arrangements etc. to prepare for my new assignment.

My office is a mess. I've been slogging things home little by little. Hauled home some books today...many more to go. But unfortunately the deadlines and meetings with my employees etc. continue to move at a fast clip. It's hard to squeeze out anything extra from my day.

So I stayed late tonight and as I turned off the lights, just before shutting my door...I saw this quote tucked into the glass of my bookcase. It's something I put there a few months ago and it underscores my conversation with Tony.

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race..." Calvin Coolidge
So thanks Calvin, I'll simply press on. That's what I'll keep on doing!

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