Do you feel like you have been trying to walk through molasses for the past 18 months and that the global pandemic has derailed or delayed your innermost wishes in your career and in life? Does it seem like you are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to achieving that promotion that has been dangled in front of you like a carrot ever since you started your new job? Has your start-up business taken a major detour because your target customer group was the hardest hit during the pandemic and you realized that continuing down the same path could mean losing your home, income, and most importantly, the shred of security you have been hanging onto?

If so, you are not alone! The good news is that there is a skill that you can practice that many successful leaders hold as one of their core values. Using this skill can help you overcome any obstacle. It is known as perseverance. Perseverance is defined as the continued effort to do something despite difficulties, or in layman terms to never give up! Perseverance is what helps you push through the tough times and keeping the end goal in mind regardless of whether you are dealing with external blocks, like the economy, or with internal blocks, like believing that you do not have what it takes to conquer whatever it is that is getting in your way.   

In my own life and career, I have defied the odds and persevered many times. In High School, I was diagnosed with a bilateral spinal fracture that forced me to give up my passion, Karate, and it almost set me back two years, as the school administration wanted me to start over again, because I could not continue with my major in sports and my case was unprecedented. In my career, I had to deal with setbacks due to changes in leadership as well as environments of exclusion. But I persevered to become an executive in multi-billion dollar organizations. And even now I am overcoming the difficulties of being an entrepreneur establishing Belladonna Career Coaching as a profitable business and global community of like-minded individuals who want to pursue the career of their dreams. 

As someone who “has been there and done that”, I would like to share some strategies that will inspire you to carry on in the quest of your dreams. 

1. Align your goals with your purpose and values

You must believe in what you are fighting for. It has to be worth it for YOU. Achieving this goal has to fill your proverbial cup. If your driver is external expectations that are put upon you by well-meaning parents or other individuals influencing your life, you are less likely to succeed. And even if you do, it will not have a deep meaning to you.

2. Reframe self-limiting beliefs and thoughts

It is completely normal to have moments of self-doubt. Our innermost insecurities will rear their ugly head on this journey, guaranteed. “Am I doing enough?”, “am I doing the right thing?”, “Is there really an unfulfilled need for what I offer?”, “is my niche unique enough?” Any or all of these thoughts might enter your mind. You need to reframe your brain and re-write your script with thoughts that support you in your mission, e.g., “my ideas and actions are in alignment with my purpose and I will attract amazing, grateful clients”.

3. Practice self-care

You’ll need all your physical, mental, and emotional strength to persevere. When we are fighting so hard for what we truly want it is easy to burn out and to forget to prioritize ourselves. Self-care doesn’t have to cost much money. It can be as easy as taking a walk in nature or meditating, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and not overindulging. 

4. Stay in your own lane

Define what success looks like for YOU. Try not to compare yourself to the hyped-up success stories you see on social media. Have a plan that is achievable and yet stretches you. Always look at what you are learning about yourself along the way. 

5. Keep going

It is normal to have the desire to quit especially when you are not yet seeing the results that you are wishing for right away. It is better to continue taking baby steps, than not doing anything at all. Confucius concurs with his saying “it doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop”!

Whenever I experience difficulties, I think of my mother and her upbringing in Germany during and after World War II as a refuge experiencing poverty and starvation while growing up. Reflecting on the obstacles she overcame I feel empowered and strong. I make no complaints and no excuses but push forward with a positive attitude and the belief that I am unstoppable!

If you need help in developing perseverance as a skill, please reach out to me to set up a complimentary discovery call to see if I can coach you to success.