As you read the best-selling books about success, goal achieving and self-development have you noticed the authors consistently praising “persistence” as a powerful success trait? Yet, when some of us become single-minded and focused on getting what we want, we’re called stubborn. Is there a double standard? 

There’s even an emotional reaction just mentioning the words persistent and stubborn – Talk about a persistent person and you begin visualizing someone who is inspiring, dedicated and positive. Mention a stubborn person and you picture someone who is difficult, self-centered and negative. 

Isn’t having a “never give up attitude” suppose to be a positive trait? 

Here’s a scenario:

You set your goals and consistently begin working toward making these goals reality. Months pass and you’re making progress – not a lot of progress but some progress. Family and friends begin to question whether you’re doing the right thing. They even start to say discouraging things about your goals and accuse you of wasting time. You stand up to them – positively and firmly telling them that you aren’t giving up nor stopping until your goals are reality.

Are you being persistent or just plain stubborn?  

Here are some traits associated with being persistent:

• The act of continuing, regardless of obstacles
• Refusing to let go
• Refusing to give up; steady and determined. 

Here are some traits associated with being stubborn:

• Unwilling to change one’s mind
• Obstinate, unyielding.

What do you think of this definition from author and speaker Bob Burg?

Persistence is positive and is “results-based.”

Stubborn is negative and is “ego-based.” 

Does a person’s perception of what it means to be persistent or stubborn have something to do with labeling the actions of another? Is it personal judgment based on your own likes/dislikes and values/beliefs that makes a difference between someone being persistent or stubborn? What if the person doing the labeling has never set a goal and doesn’t understand the goal achieving process, would that make a difference? 

In general, is going for your goals persistent or stubborn? What if achieving your goals won’t benefit anyone but yourself – are you persistent or stubborn? What if the people telling you that you are stubborn are the dream stealers in your life – are you persistent or stubborn? 

I believe there is room for interpretation and debate. I don’t know if there is a definitive answer. What do you think? What are your thoughts? 

I’ll leave you with this quotation from Benjamin Franklin, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Copyright © 2010 Sharon Michaels – All Rights Reserved

For over twenty years Sharon Michaels has been writing, speaking and empowering women to achieve greater personal and professional success. Sharon mentors/coaches women entrepreneurs about learning to recognize the things they’re doing that may be keeping them from the things they want.

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If you’re ready to recognize what may be holding you back and to seriously build on your strengths and talents, you’re ready to coach with Sharon Michaels. “I believe you have the answers to your success inside of you right now, it is my job to ask the right questions. I ask great questions!” Here are details about Sharon’s coaching programs: http://www.sharonismymentor.com

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