Perseverance

In my previous 'blog, a commenter correctly pointed out that I have tried before to make changes, and I've failed. He wasn't suggesting that I not try; rather, he was noting (correctly) that I've been here before.


It wasn't news to me. I know I've tried before to make these kinds of changes in who and how I am, and I know too that I have not (yet!) been successful. I know that it all sounds good, and I don't blame those who are going to save their enthusiasm until they see I've succeeded. I understand all that.


I understand, too, that what really matters here is that I keep trying.

Thomas Edison had something to say about the importance of perseverance. He said, "I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward." He said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." He said, "Nearly every man who develops an idea works at it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged." He said, "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

I don't intend to give up.

I am not certain that I will succeed in my attempts this time. I am optimistic—optimism is an integral part of the success I am seeking—but I am not certain. What I do know for certain is that I will not succeed if I do not try.


My real problem is the ridiculous amount of time I allow to pass between attempts. If I fail, I fail; do I really need two years to recover?


I say, "Hell, no!"


The other half of my commitment to address my shortcomings is a commitment to try again immediately (or nearly immediately) if I fail. It's time to 'man up."