Unleash the Power of Persistence
I read a news story this week that really made me smile.
It was one of those stories that really made me stop and think about so many different things.
It was a story about a football team in Carlisle, Harraby Athletic under 14’s.
When the team was formed 3 years ago (as the under 11’s) they lost their first game 19 – 0, enough to make most adults decide to hang up their boots once and for all and go to the pub.
The boys, however, turned out the next week and were again soundly beaten this time by 14 goals.
This type of score line carried on for 90 matches over 3 years, played 90 – lost 90.
Now, teenagers have had a lot of bad press over the last few years so I feel it’s important to recognise several things here.
The team stuck together through thick and thin.
After a heavy defeat they would be teased by their classmates, they just trained harder and longer.
When it would be so easy to give up, they persisted in their dream that one day they might just win a match.
When people laughed at them, it just made them more determined.
How many times have you seen friends and family with obvious talent and gifts give up on something because it seems easier to them than pushing themselves to achieve?
How many times have you or your friends set out to do something (lose weight, stop smoking, go for a new job) only to decide it’s easier not to do it than to put the effort in?
How much better would life be for you, or them, if the goal was achieved?
Never underestimate the power of persistence.
It’s the most common thing separating the haves and have-nots, the achievers and the non-achievers.
Of course, when we set out to do something there may be set backs and obstacles in our paths. Overcoming them just makes you stronger.
What would you choose to do if you knew you couldn’t possibly fail?
Now, go and do it, have fun and unleash your own power of persistence!
PS. Last week Harraby Athletic won their first game ever.
They beat Edenvale Hawks 3 – 2.
Can you imagine how that must have felt?