Practice Persistence Every Day
"Persistence is what makes the impossible possible, the possible likely, and the likely inevitable." — Robert Half
Caregiving and persistence go hand in hand. As this week’s quote illustrates, the steady, determined effort of caregivers can help them overcome challenges, sustain their own well-being, and continue providing compassionate support. It highlights the power of persistence in the face of ongoing challenges.
I experienced the power of persistence recently when faced with the condition of my dad. He’s 92 and has lived with us for 18 years. He had a fall about four months ago that sent him to the hospital, rehab, long-term care, another hospital stay, and now a skilled nursing facility. Through the years, I didn’t go “deep” into his room because he was mostly managing his own care and was pretty independent. But once it became clear that he wasn’t going to be able to manage on his own, nor return to our home, it was time to start the arduous process of cleaning and clearing out.
My dad had accumulated a lifetime of “stuff,” and most of it was in that room. The process of sorting and distributing these things had me paralyzed at first. I’d open the door, take a good look around, take a deep sigh, and close the door again. I felt overwhelmed.
Persistence helped me change my mindset. I realized there was no timeline, so I decided to set a micro-goal of working in his room for one hour each day. I set a timer, entered the room, and worked until the timer went off. My sisters, husband, and kids have also helped distribute usable items to various charities and recycle or dispose of items that are not usable. These short sessions feel far more manageable, and I am starting to see real progress. Just like in the tortoise and hare fable—slow and steady wins the race!
3 TOOLS TO PRACTICE PERSISTENCE:
1) Set Small, Achievable Goals – Break large caregiving challenges into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrating small wins along the way helps sustain motivation and reinforces the habit of sticking with prevention strategies over time.
2) Create a Support Network – Regularly connect with friends, family, peer supporters, or caregiver groups who can offer encouragement, share ideas, and remind you of your progress when challenges feel overwhelming.
3) Practice Mindful Self-Reflection – Use journaling, meditation, or short check-ins with yourself to assess what’s working, where you’re struggling, and how to adjust without self-criticism. This builds emotional resilience and keeps you focused on long-term goals despite setbacks.
Caregiving can often feel overwhelming, with moments that seem unmanageable or without solutions. By showing up each day, advocating for our loved ones, and continuing our self-care—we can turn daunting tasks into achievable goals and build the resilience needed to prevent burnout over time.