Perseverance is Key: Keep Going

I recently met someone who told me the story about Harriet Tubman an American abolitionist and political activist. Harriet was born into slavery but she did not remain in the arms of her owners for the rest of her life. She escaped and also helped many others to escape using an underground railroad.

Many wanted to stop and turn back because the way was dark and lonely and they thought they would have been caught and killed. Harriet inspired them to keep going even when they felt as though they couldn’t go on. Today, our songs are different but they seem to have similar lyrics. We are tired and we feel as though we cannot go on. Here are five tips to encourage us to keep going.

Tip #1 - Pray

As a Christian, I believe prayer can move mountains. Every day we move about there is spiritual warfare going on and so angels are fighting battles for us that we can’t seem to fight or even see. Praying to God is like talking to a friend. Talk to the person who brought you here. You are here for a reason and if you truly get to know him this is enough reason to fight the fight and keep going.

Tip #2 - Read Inspirational Stories

There are many that have gone before you that have struggled and kept persevering. There will be many after you also. Reading stories about those who went through troublesome times can encourage you to keep going. It is within our weakest moments we want to give up but that is when we must hold on.

Not all inspirational stories have favourable endings but I hope you can see the message that is designed within them.

Tip #3 - Have a fighting spirit

Marcus Garvey said that “if you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” Having a fighting spirit means that you are courageous and determined. You have to remain confident in the plans for your life, know that you are worth every fight and be determined to achieve all the things you desire for yourself. Yes, there are speed bumps, potholes and stop signs but they are not for long. Slow down if you must but keep going; keep that fighting spirit alive.

Tip #4 - Don’t be afraid to fail

The beauty in perseverance is that you know that things won’t be easy for you but you do it anyway and keep going. Failures are inevitable. Trials and problems are too but within these moments are when we keep going. I remember watching Finding Nemo and Dori kept singing “Just keep swimming.” Dori and Nemo’s father failed so many times but that did not deter them from finding Nemo. Whatever your “Nemo” is don’t be afraid when you fail. Just keep swimming, just keep going.

Tip #5 - Keep your goals in mind

When you set a goal for yourself and you are hungry to achieve it you will demonstrate perseverance. Some people may say “fly high or fly low; mi haffi make it.” That’s the spirit but make sure whatever you do, you do with integrity because at the end of the day cheating to achieve a goal doesn’t feel the same as doing it honestly. Keeping your goals in mind allows you to stay on task to get closer to achieving them.

We all have a story

I have a story, you have a story, and everyone has a story to tell. Our national heroes exhibited perseverance. Our nation-builders displayed and still is displaying perseverance. When things get hard, never give up. When the darkness seems to overtake your plans let perseverance pave the way forward. Whatever you do; keep going there is a light at the end of your tunnel.