Tenacity

A myriad of studies has demonstrated that the most important determinant of success is not intelligence or education, not resources and funding, but instead tenacity and perseverance.

It is very difficult to succeed in the world, be it achieving an educational degree, starting a business or changing a law. And it is oftentimes all too easy to give up. It is not just hard work, but the invisible force of tenacity that sees us through.

Stubbornness may be a natural quality, but tenacity is something different. Stubbornness means keeping on with something because you have a closed mind and don’t want to admit that you may have made a mistake.

Tenacity is not a natural instinct, but instead is an acquired skill. Tenacity means constantly reevaluating whether you have made the right decision, but once you reaffirm the tightness of the decision doing whatever it takes to achieve the goal.

Discussion

• What life achievement are you most proud of?

• What role did tenacity play in permitting you to realize your achievement?