Tenacity Helps Us Adapt and Persist

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier

Do you have a “favorite” word? One of mine just happens to be this month’s theme: tenacity—the determination to hold on to what matters, adapt when things get difficult, and keep moving forward, even when progress is slow or the path changes.

I first learned about tenacity when my daughter was in middle school—seems apropos now—at a back-to-school night. The Head of School introduced the word in a way that held tremendous meaning then, as my daughter entered those “can-be-challenging” adolescent years. It holds even more meaning now, in some of my most active (and “can-be-challenging”) caregiving years.

Although I thought parenting three kids through their teen years was hard, I’m challenged today in ways I never thought possible. I’ve had to draw on my strengths in new ways, and I have been challenged to become a better listener, to lead with more compassion, and ultimately, to become a better carer.

For unpaid family caregivers, I don’t think tenacity means simply toughing it out. It isn’t about carrying more, pushing harder, or ignoring our own needs. Tenacity is the ability to stay committed while adapting—to pause, regroup, ask for help, change course, and then take the next step.

This week’s topic—persistence—is tenacity in practice.

3 TOOLS TO BUILD PERSISTENCE:

1. The "Next Right Step" Tool
   When caregiving feels overwhelming, we pause and ask ourselves, "What is the one next right step?" Focusing on one manageable action instead of the entire journey reduces stress, builds momentum, and reminds us that progress happens one step at a time.

2. Progress, Not Perfection Journal
   At the end of each day, we write down one challenge we faced, one small success we achieved, and one thing we'll try again tomorrow. This simple practice shifts our focus from what we didn't accomplish to the steady progress we're making, reinforcing resilience and hope.

3. The Persistence Support Circle
   Persistence doesn't mean doing everything alone. We identify two or three people we can turn to for encouragement, practical help, or simply someone to listen. Staying connected helps us recharge, gain perspective, and continue forward without carrying every burden by ourselves.

These tools remind us that persistence isn't about pushing through exhaustion—it's about making sustainable progress, celebrating small victories, and knowing when to lean on others. Over time, these habits strengthen resilience and help protect us from caregiver burnout.

You CAN do hard things—you already have so many strengths. Never give up on yourself. Pause when you need to. Ask for help when you need it. Begin again when you need to. And remember: persistence is tenacity in practice.