Setting Goals

How many times will a baby try to take its first step before it gives up?

A baby doesn’t know how to give up. A baby doesn’t know the difference between success and failure. It doesn’t understand self-discipline. It doesn’t know anything about courage. All a baby knows is what it wants, and it keeps going until it gets it. What if you had the same approach to life?

Getting what you want boils down to a single word: persistence. No matter how presentable your wish, how good your plan, how tireless your work, your success will ultimately hinge on persistence. Are you willing to go the distance? Then you will succeed. Are you willing to endure when others are ready to quit? Then you will succeed. Are you willing to pursue until you get it, however long it takes? Then you will succeed. Success belongs to those who refuse to settle for less. Persist until you get what you want, and you will always get what you want.

Next to persistence, your skills, intelligence, and talents amount to little. The most skillful person who gives up will always finish behind the most inept person who does not. The most intelligent person who gives up will always finish behind the most simple-minded person who does not. The most talented person who gives up will always finish behind the least talented person who does not. The most gifted person alive, if he or she gives up, will always finish behind someone - behind anyone who does not.