Keys On Becoming Persistent

nstoppable is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Sia. Wikipedia describes her song in this manner: “It has been called a “stomping, empowering jam” and “swollen self-esteem anthem of her”, with lyrics like, “I’m unstoppable, I’m a Porsche with no brakes / I’m invincible, I win every single game / I’m so powerful I don’t need batteries to play / I’m so confident yeah I’m unstoppable today.””

Now, it seems to me that Sia has plenty of “I” trouble that she needs to deal with, and it’s not the kind of music I listen to anyway, neither would I recommend it to anyone, but it reminded me of an experience I had this past week when I was helping a community member with her shopping at a local grocery store.

As I sat waiting in one of the store Kiosks while the lady purchased her food, a store attendant approached me, and began what it felt like a barrage of “Scud” missiles, in an attempt to get me to buy into additional services and credit cards, that would surely enrich my life from that moment on.                                                       After numerous unheeded attempts at explaining to the attendant that; I either already had those services or that I was not interested, the persistent and seemingly unstoppable attendant finally caved in, and had to listen to my negative response to all that was being offered to me. Needless to say, that the attendant finally went away with what it seemed, an air of loss.

Not everything in life has to be about winning and losing. I have always looked at it in this way; those who are persistent and unstoppable are in their own world, and they don’t compete with anyone else but themselves. 

Let me share with you three key elements that can help you become a more persistent “you”, with a more positive outlook:

1. Design your future.

This is something that the Creator has given the freedom for His creatures to do, with one caveat; check regularly with Him to see if it falls inline with His plans. The future belongs to those who know what they want and are prepared to do what it takes to get it. 

So, take some time today to write down, sketch or mind map, write down your top 5 goals, and record a few strategies for how you can achieve each of them. Also, map out possible risks, opportunities, timelines, people, and places. 

2. Design your purpose.

Your purpose is what inspires you to take action. But, whatever you do, don’t be motivated by money or anything else external, although money provides options, but they are never a good source of motivation when you encounter obstacles to achieving your goals.                                                                    As Dr. Floyd Spence puts it: “Find something you are willing to DIE for, and then LIVE for it.” 

3. Build your perseverance.

People with perseverance possess a certain measure of confidence and resilience that exponentially increase their chances of success. In the case of the store attendant, the person should have taken the time to listen to me tell them that I already had those services, even though it didn’t deter them.

They are able to perform consistently and productively under pressure. 

Perseverance is achieved by staying in control of your life, remembering that; you can’t control what happens to you, but it is under your control how you manage your response.  

“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4 ESV.

Pastor Rui Oliveira