Ever noticed that when youre working feverishly on a new idea you hit a point where it looks impossible? Its easy to become discouraged when you hit that wall, but that’s not the place for discouragement.

It is often at this point that many only see the obstacle and no longer sees their idea.

They give into discouragement, opposition and obstacles. Not knowing a breakthrough was on the horizon. If only they were persistent.

A persistent mindset enables you to continue firmly down the path.

Thomas Edison once said: “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless…. Reverses should be an incentive to great accomplishment. Results? Why, man, I have gotten lots of results! If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is just one more step forward…. There are no rules here, we’re just trying to accomplish something.”

Thomas Edison had boasted he would invent a safe, mild, and inexpensive electric light. After spending $40,000, and performing 1200 experiments, he succeeded.

Can you imagine the world today if Edison quit at those moments of discouragement? I imagine it might be a little darker.

You’ll have obstacles before you can have success. Even the dictionary puts the word obstacle before success.

Obstacles strengthen you and measure your growing strength. When you misunderstand the purpose of struggles and obstacles, youll fall into discouragement. If you dwell on struggles, youll begin to question your goals and stop believing in yourself. Self-doubt will make you susceptible to the fear of criticism and criticism will stop you in your tracks. Your ideas and dreams will become mere fantasies instead of goals based on reality.

Good news… you can train yourself to develop a persistent mindset. This mindset empowers you to make a conscious decision to stay with it.

Napoleon Hill gives eight factors that persistence is based upon:

1. Definite purpose – know what you want.

2. An Intense Desire

3. Self-reliance – strong belief you can carry out your plan

4. Definite plans – written organized plan.

5. Accurate knowledge – knowing your plan is sound.

6. Cooperation – strengthen your network with others who will help you develop persistence.

7. Will power – develop a habit of concentrating your thoughts on acquiring your goals.

8. Habit – persistence is a habit that can be consciously developed.

4 Steps on Developing Persistence

1. Have a definite purpose backed up with a strong desire to obtain it. Write it down.

2. Write a plan of action. What steps do you need to to make it happen?

3. Reject all negativity and discouraging influences. Watch what you say to yourself. Self-talk can be the most damaging.

4. Develop a group of people who will encourage you but also hold you accountable to follow through on your actions.

Winston Churchill uttered this immortal words over 60 years ago that are still applicable today: “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yielded to force; never yielded to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals. Stay focused. Never change your goal-just your plans, replace the plan if necessary, but not your goal.

Overcoming struggles, problems and barriers will take you down the road of greatness but only if you embrace persistence as your success partner.

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