Ray's Daily

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”

Walter Elliot

I learned a long time ago that perseverance is one of the most important behaviors exhibited by successful people. I know in my early years when I flew around the country as the last resort when there were difficult computer problems I often had no one to turn to but myself. I frequently would start with no idea what to do so I did the only thing I could, I kept going. There is a lot to be learned from the race between the turtle and the hare, the turtle did not rest on his laurels nor put off his progress waiting for another day, he just kept going.

These days as I am involved in a major life style change I again find value in perseverance. I honestly think that if I excuse myself from following my daily exercise program that it would not be long before the excuses were easier than doing what should be done. Of course the jury is still out as to whether or not I will sustain the self-discipline required to continue what is now providing me so much reward but I am confident that by taking one step at a time, like the turtle, I will persevere. Of course I also have the added incentive of really liking what I am doing, I meet good people every morning, I regularly get e-mail kudos from the big computer monitoring my activity and best of all I get a flying start on my day each morning.

Steve Brunkhorst wrote about perseverance not long ago and I like what he said, here is what he sent me in an e-mail:

Steady Perseverance

Steady perseverance is taking a one positive action after the next toward a specific accomplishment, performing each action with excellence, and enjoying each accomplishment without anxiety about the future.

Perseverance is indeed a world class trait displayed by those who have a meaningful direction in their lives. Without a meaningful direction, perseverance can be wasted on harmful or time-wasting pursuits. However, when we know where we are headed – even if we cannot see the finish line – the essential trait of perseverance gives us fulfillment, energy, and staying-power in the most challenging of times.

We must also be aware of three negative traits. These are desperation, discouragement, and cynicism. These traits are dangerous thieves; they will drain positive energy, waste valuable time, and steal one’s emotional and physical health. Desperation, discouragement, and cynicism persevere only in self-pity, doubt, and skepticism leading to self-destructive behaviors.

When we choose a specific destination or goal and move toward it with perseverance, we are able to transform these self-defeating traits into determination, encouragement, and faith. By applying these positive traits toward a worthwhile purpose, we can make significant contributions to our world.

When you feel discouraged, seek encouragement from others who recognize your talents and believe in your goals. When you feel desperate or cynical, know that when you are ready and willing, you can transform these feelings into determination and faith. Then persevere by accomplishing one small task with excellence – then another, and another.

Ask yourself: What is one meaningful destination I must reach during my lifetime? What small contribution can I make today that will lead me closer to that destination?

When determination, encouragement, and faith are driven by steady perseverance, you will act with effectiveness and power, and your natural talents will move you closer to your most cherished dreams.

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“If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.”

Joseph Addison

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Molly was dying and on her deathbed, she gave final instructions to her husband David. “David, you’ve been so good to me all these years. I know you never even thought about another woman. But now that I’m going, I want you to marry again as soon as is possible and I want you to give your new wife all my expensive clothes.”

“I can’t do that, my darling,” David said. “You’re a size 16 and she’s only a 10.”

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Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.

George Van Valkenburg

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While walking through a parking lot, I tripped and fell flat on my face. As I was lying there, a woman stopped her car and called out, “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” I said, touched by her concern.

“Oh, good,” she continued.  “So will you be vacating your parking space now?”

~~~

It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.

Josiah Stamp

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If you upset your wife, she nags you…..

If you upset her even more, you get the silent treatment.

Don’t you think it’s worth the extra effort?

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If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.

Abraham Maslow

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A little girl from Minneapolis came home from Sunday school with a frown on her face. “I’m not going back there anymore,” she announced with finality. “I don’t like the Bible they keep teaching us.”

“Why not?” asked her astonished mother.

“Because,” said the little girl, “that Bible is always talking about St. Paul, and it never once mentions Minneapolis.”

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If the rich could hire other people to die for them, the poor could make a wonderful living.

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Two women were discussing marriage, and one said, “We’ve been married twenty-five years, and every night my husband has complained about the food. Not one night without complaining about the food.”

The other woman said, “That’s awful. Doesn’t it bother you?”

The first one said, “Why should I object if he doesn’t like his own cooking?”

~~~

Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs.  Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.  If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. 

Dale Carnegie

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Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

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