No doubt there are days when you say, "why bother?" Those are the moments when you have to remember the word "persevere." When we feel like throwing in the towel, that is the time we say, "just keep going."

The Modern Renaissance Woman is like any other woman in this regard. There are times when the challenges that cross our path seem daunting. Maintaining a fervency of self-control and positive perseverance can be difficult. The reality is that the philosophy sounds good, but living it is another thing.

There is one truth that women must embrace. You have to persevere if you want to shape your destiny. You need to ignore the negatives that confront you. If the negatives can not be ignored, then create a way around them. You must find a way to stomp through the bog that can bring you to sinking.

It is in times of discouragement that we discover what makes us tick. When facing a circumstance that requires you to pull yourself up out of the depths, grab hold of the powerful ropes of advice given by others. Specifically, I am speaking of gleaning strength from the words written for the benefit of others! Within the context of this discussion, I would suggest compiling quotations that stimulate your mind and spirit.

An abundance of energy can be captured from reading quotations. Is it any wonder that motivational books and quote books are so popular? Below are a sprinkling of quotations and bits of philosophy that can change your outlook on challenges.

"To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man. The coward despairs." Euripides

"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go." William Feather

"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles." Helen Keller

"It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop." Confucius

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Dolly Parton

Aren’t these terrific words of advice! There are thousands of resources available to you for accessing quotations. If you have never done so, browse your sources and type up your favorites.

Perseverance also entitles you to "think outside the box." If you have not heard this term before, it simply means finding an alternative method or path to your goal. Specifically, do not consider the usual, but the unusual.

There are going to be times when you come up before a roadblock. More times than not, we can be stunned or numbed into not taking action. This is the opportunity to apply the creativity that each of us really does possess. Instead of standing still, what steps can you take to get around the obstacle to reach your destination?

"Thinking outside the box" can take time. It may require you to step back and evaluate the situation. In so doing, it requires perseverance not to get discouraged. You have to be determined and enter the process with the anticipation that a positive direction can be identified.

The Modern Renaissance Woman recognizes that perseverance does pay off. When you persevere, you know that you will reach your goals in the end. If you persevere, you will not let any circumstance or individual keep you down. Making the decision to persevere, you know that you are pursuing the best you have to offer yourself.

The next time you feel like throwing in the towel, remember that perseverance is the commodity you need to get through whatever challenge you are facing. With dogged perseverance, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do.

Go for it!

Return to
The Modern Renaissance Woman