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Perseverance:  Big Word, Big Rewards

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Perseverance:  Big Word, Big Rewards
Perseverance—a huge word. And you’re probably sitting there expecting some huge “Yes, You Can Climb Mt. Everest!” motivational speech. Well, I’ve never been the one to do the expected…

Perseverance doesn’t have to be this huge thing you think you can’t do. It’s about sticking with something long enough to get to the next reward or motivation. The trick is recognizing those rewards and motivations while you’re in the midst of persevering.

On May 15 & 16, my sister and I participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston. My goal was to walk the maximum—a marathon (26.2 miles) on the first day, and a half-marathon on the second. In typical New England fashion, Day One was 90 degrees and humid, while Day Two was 55 degrees and pouring rain.

When all you’re doing is walking for hours on end, you get really good at recognizing the rewards of your perseverance. On Day One, it was already 80 degrees at 10:30AM, when we were at Mile 10. Our reward was a spectacular view of Boston as we walked along the Charles River. At Mile 17, the day had definitely become a “scorcha”—and our reward for persevering was an ice cream truck waiting up ahead (and my sister treating).

Between Mile 17 and Mile 20 was the worst part of the day—persevering through maximum heat and humidity, and maximum hills. Our rewards were many—people who had set up water stops in from of their homes, or decorated their yards with pink ribbons and messages of support. My favorite was a little girl asking “Would you like a free shower?” as her dad sprinkled us with the hose.

Our rewards for persevering through the remaining miles that day were a real shower, having an unknown angel pitch my tent for me, and a visit from my husband, my daughter and our friends at camp that night.

On Day Two, I made it about halfway before the rain started. As I approached lunch at Mile 10, my reward was a warm, dry portable toilet. Rewards and motivators don’t have to be complicated.

As we walked across the finish at the end of that day, our reward was our family and friends waiting with flowers, balloons and a wonderful picnic lunch. The rain had stopped just in time.

Persevering can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other (remember the Winter Warlock?), and motivators can be as small as a sprinkle from a hose.

How do you keep yourself motivated to  persevere?

Keep your goal in sight. Some people do this with a picture or a saying that they refer to often. A great way to keep your goal in sight is to do what I call “Chanting by Hand”.

Create your goal statement, and write it down. Then repeat it. Ten times a day. Every day. Repetition makes your goal real, and gives you the confidence to go out and achieve it. If you’d like to try Chanting by Hand, I’ve created a nifty workbook to help you craft your Goal Statement and give you a place to Chant for thirty days. You can download it now, by clicking the link below—it’s free!

Download my free Chanting by Hand Journal now!

Win a Free Month of Coaching!
If you are a business owner in a seasonal community, please take a moment to let me know what your life is like. Complete the short (only 10 questions!) survey at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=99508481692

All respondents will be entered into a drawing for one free month of one-on-one coaching (valued at $400). Results will be published on my web site after June 15, 2004, and the winner will be notified on June 16, 2004.

Get Involved, Get in Touch
The mission of SOS Monthly is to inspire and empower you to lead the big life you deserve. Comments, feedback and ideas for stories are always welcome. All story ideas, comments and suggestions are most welcome.  Send your input to newsletter@seasonsofsuccess.com.

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©2004 Barbara Bellissimo. All rights reserved.