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Do you find it hard to stick to a plan or purpose in life? Does quitting often seem too easy? What is the key to perseverance? The Definition Of Perseverance

From a dictionary: “Persisting in or remaining consistent to a purpose, idea or task in spite of obstacles.” Notice it doesn’t start, “Wisely persisting…” Perseverance can clearly be both a good thing and a bad thing. Remember that when you find yourself wanting to quit something. Quitting might be the wisest choice.

Of course, the problem with the idea that you should quit when something isn’t worth the effort, is that it’s often used as a rationalization. It comes to mind when the effort is difficult, but really is worthwhile. It’s confusing at times, so how do you wisely persevere? There are three important aspects to consider.

We had the opportunity to chat with Powerhouse Creative Writer Markedia Nicaule. Nicaule’s love for her daughter lead her to write a positive affirmation in the form of a poem entitled, “THE VOICES I HEAR”, to protect her daughter’s journey in a world that is far too often cruel

Remaining consistent to her purpose, Nicaule turned “THE VOICES I HEAR” into a beautiful kid friendly poster you can place in your child’s bedroom as a social emotional learning tool you guys can use to remind them of just how really awesome they are.

We asked Markedia about 2 life changing moments:

  1. During my youth I struggled with my identity, who I was and what was my purpose. Because of that, I made a lot of wrong turns, experienced a-lot of pain, disappointed my family and myself. But the moment I held my newborn daughter in my arms I pledged to learn myself, improve myself, except myself, flaws and all,  and teach her to do the same. It has been an ongoing journey, she has been watching me her entire life, my little boy is watching me as well, so becoming a mother has been the anchor that keeps me from getting lost at sea.
  2. I have always loved to learn, I am an avid reader and very competitive with myself when it comes to schooling. Since I can remember, I’ve always strived to get 100% on everything. And because of that, when I do get something incorrect, I tend you remember that more than anything. One day when i was in college, i took a test in my business management class in which I was certain I aced, I did not, I got one question wrong. The question asked what was the best way to run a successful business from a leadership prospective, I will give two of the four options: 1. Trust your team to get the job done or 2. Micromanage/do everything yourself..I chose option 2, don’t judge , Im a Leo, but I know better now and it is much less stressful and empowering to all involved.

Here are Markedia’s 3 Keys To Wise Perseverance:

  1. Self awareness: Notice when you look for excuses, rather than truth. Are you letting fear or laziness cause you to quit or procrastinate? If honestly watching yourself is difficult, explain your reasoning to a friend. Close friends may be more likely than you to know when you’re rationalizing. (Think about it from the other direction and you’ll see this can be true.)
  2. Costs and benefits: To wisely persevere, you need to see the costs and benefits of what you are doing. If moving to Hollywood to become a star is going to cost you your business or family life, you have to see that clearly before you decide. An honest and good decision requires honest and good information.
  3. Motivation: Once you’ve made a decision, and you’re sure you made it for the right reasons, you have to motivate yourself. In fact, perseverance requires that you regularly re-motivate yourself. Write goals down, do daily affirmations, and whatever else you have to do.

We asked, how do she utilize her knowledge to benefit and inspire others?

I utilize my knowledge to benefit and inspire others by sharing my knowledge, the ways in which it inspires me, and how I have used that inspiration to benefit myself. Humans learn by example mostly therefore, I try my best to share my experiences in hopes that those who have had or are having the same experiences, they can see that they are not alone and that there are many roads that lead to where they want to be.

The power of habit by Nicaule’s definition.

Habit is the most powerful secret of success. Practice watching yourself to make self-awareness a habit. Practice analyzing costs and benefits objectively, and practice motivating yourself. By the way, there are many good motivation techniques, so if what you’re doing doesn’t work – go read up on them and try something else. That’s perseverance. The FREE downloadable poster of “THE VOICES I HEAR” will be available in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month starting in October.

 

 

 

All images by Markedia Nicaule