Have you ever been so frustrated after your first attempt at doing something failed that you just gave up? Well, if you’re like the majority of people the answer is in the affirmative. If this is representative of what happens to you then a change of mental attitude might be in order. Since you’re reading this blog it is something you’re very ready to do so read on.

If you’ve ever been disappointed by the results of your first effort to "take something on," that's no reason to quit. On the contrary, that's a reason to learn from what happened and make another attempt. Success mostly comes as a result of learning from disappointments and trying again.

If you've made subsequent attempts and still didn’t accomplish your goal, you must keep on learning and moving forward. Even though you may not immediately see it, you are making progress. If nothing else, you're learning what doesn't work. And, you're reinforcing the powerful habit of persistence. Thomas Edison, the inventor, said “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

What you consistently and persistently do, you soon will do very well. Keep plugging away, and as you do, your effectiveness increases. Colin Powell said “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.”

So…the achievement you so fervently seek comes from consistent, persistent effort. There is no silver bullet or short cut to success. Keep going, keep learning, keep making improvements, keep moving forward, one step at a time. This tenacious persistence is what pays off in the long run.

Push aside the fantasy of being instantly successful, because that rarely happens, except in your dreams or in Hollywood. Choose instead to be reliably successful. With consistent, persistent effort you will find a workable path to whatever achievement you choose to create.

I am reminded of something the great American poet, James Whitcomb Riley, said, “The most essential factor is persistence—the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” Don’t let disappointment and the fear of failure stall your desire for success—remain determined to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

Think about it…