Persistence, Not Perfection: A “Lifetime” Inspiration
By Nina Kaufman, Esq.It’s not often that you’re present at the precise moment something special happens — and that’s what makes those events so inspirational: a wedding, the birth of a baby, watching an athlete break a world record.
Last week, I had the honor of being present for one of those special moments. My Weight Watchers gal pal, Sheryl, received her version of a “lifetime” achievement award. Literally.
After 21 years on being on-again, off-again with Weight Watchers, Sheryl not only reached her goal weight (a loss of nearly 75 pounds), but she kept the weight off for six weeks. She has battled nearly all her adult life with weight issues, and has now found the tools (and self-respect) to put them in their place.
“Lifetime,” too, because that’s the name that Weight Watchers gives to the membership status of those who are able to maintain their goal weight. As Sheryl (a/k/a Ms BitchCakes) writes in her blog post, “Lifetime!”
I told myself I was never going to give up again. I told myself that quitting was not an option. I told myself I could, and would, do it. And through persistence (not perfection!) I made it happen.
It may even be tempting to compare ourselves to our colleagues who started their businesses when we did (or even afterwards), and seem to have stepped in gold when we’re cleaning s#!t off our shoes. Or to listen to rags-to-riches stories in the news of entrepreneurs who have an idea one day, and cash out through an IPO six months later … as if that’s the norm.
That’s where Sheryl’s words helped me reframe my journey of entrepreneurship this year so far. Behind the scenes and the wonderful highs, is the emotional drain of suing a business partner, the drudgery of conducting a full-scale file inventory, the frustration of slow business cycles, once again revamping my website … and still not yet having cashed out to retire to Fiji (or Paris, or a round-the-world cruise). Sheryl reminded me that it’s about persistence and progress, not perfection.
Whatever history may say about former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge (aside from his being a man of few words), he does have a great quote about “Persistence,” which echoes Sheryl’s thoughts as well:
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Where has an extra dose of persistence helped you in your business?
Want to learn more about Kaufman Business Law? This is the video to watch.
