Practice Persistence, and Progress Will Follow
Caregivers often face tasks and responsibilities that feel never-ending. We may even be so overwhelmed with it all that we are tempted to give up, but we never do. What is it that keeps us going in spite of all obstacles, that keeps hope alive in us and relentlessly pushes us forward?
It’s persistence, a characteristic that’s so common in caregivers, and it’s our topic for this week as we turn to September’s theme of attitude. Persistence is closely related to many of my favorite words, such as “tenacity,” “resilience,” and “perseverance.” These traits allow caregivers to maintain a positive and productive attitude so they can continue pursuing and achieving their goals.
In many ways, it’s like running a marathon, as noted by Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Angela says, “Perseverance is the daily discipline of trying to do things better than we did yesterday.” She describes “grit” as “passion and perseverance over long periods of time,” and she says her relationship with her father who lived with Parkinson’s was like running a marathon. She discusses the mindsets that help people persevere and succeed, regardless of their challenges, in this podcast.
Of course, we wouldn’t want to run a marathon if we didn’t practice first, and persistence also takes practice. By practicing persistence and making it a habit, it becomes easier “to do things better than we did yesterday.”
Like so many things, our persistence can be strengthened if we do the right things to nurture it. These include identifying our what, why, and how:
What are your wants and desires? Figure out where you are going before you try to get there.
Why are your goals what they are? When you know your motivation, you are better able to stay focused on your goals.
How will you achieve your goals? List your action steps, and plan what you will need to do.
In addition, it’s important to stay positive. Finding the silver lining or lesson learned in any situation can help you make further progress toward achieving your goals. It’s also helpful to form a support team of people who believe in you and encourage you. And, as always, practicing discipline and good habits every day will show that you are committed to persevering and taking action toward your goals.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race. When we show persistence, we prove that we are motivated and committed to achieving our goals, regardless of the barriers we encounter. It’s a demonstration of your strength, hope, and love, for your loved one and for YOU.