Persistence may be elusive, but it is not really a complex thing to nurture and to develop. Napoleon Hill has given us four simple steps to undertake in order to develop the habit and lifestyle of persistence, which in turn will lead the way to success in wealth creation, and in fact in all life’s endeavours.
How To Develop Persistence
There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of persistence. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and only little time or effort. The necessary steps are:
1. A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.
2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
3. A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions from relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
4. A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.
These four steps are essential for success in all walks of life. The entire purpose of the thirteen principles of this philosophy is to enable a person to take these four steps as a matter of habit.
Steps Toward The Future
These are the steps by which a person may control his or her economic destiny.
They are the steps that lead to freedom and independent thinking.
They are the steps that lead to wealth, great or small.
They lead the way to power, fame, and worldly recognition.
They are the four steps which guarantee favorable “breaks.”
They are the steps that convert dreams into physical realities.
They lead, also, to the mastery of fear, discouragement, and indifference.
There is a magnificent reward for all who learn to take these four steps. It is the privilege of writing your own ticket, and of making Life yield whatever price you asked.
Setting The Price Standard
Napoleon Hill certainly has a way of simplifying that which we have come to complicate over time. His four steps for developing persistence are a perfect example. These are steps that you will easily be able to commit to memory, and easily be able to cultivate if you just devote a few minutes each day to remind yourself of the how, the what, and the why of it. I suggest even printing these steps off and placing them in a convenient spot where you can refer to them each day until you know them by heart, and until they become a part of your regular routine…a routine of success and fulfillment! …And one that I’m sure will leave you feeling much more content and confident with yourself. Not a bad price to exact for a few minutes of effort!
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
Aussie Internet Marketer © 2004 – 2010
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
If we could all follow the four steps to Persistence, and remain focused on what we want, it would be so much easier.
I do believe that we can get what we want, as long as we continue to go forward following Napoleon Hill’s teachings, and Yes it defiantly builds confidence.
.-= Rita pepper´s last blog ..SEO Training =-.
Hi Sean,
I like how Napoleon Hill keeps it simple for us. I can definitely learn these four steps for developing persistence. I’ve written them down and added them to my list of things I read each day.
I find that persistence is vital for my success so any chance I get to practice strengthening this quality, I’ll take. I totally agree with Rita, in that, I do feel more confident in my ability to achieve my goals. I feel a definite difference since I’ve been reading and applying Napoleon Hill’s teachings.
Sean, your Mindset Mastery series is a life changer for me. Thank-you!
I love when someone awesome* breaks things down to talk at the same level I am. If they talk up to me I lose touch, talking down just insults me but Napolean and Sean reach me at the level I need – just above my every day thinking and continually challenging me to think differently.
.-= Sarah Butland´s last blog ..Live With Regis And Kelly in PEI!!! =-.
Napoleon Hill has really boiled it down to the essence of what we need to do to become successful.
The four steps are very basic but very crucial, and it’s sometimes too easy to find excuses to not follow these steps. But I for one know that it’s my own fault if I don’t become successful, because I have been shown the road to walk, but it’s up to me to put the effort in and go each step of my personal road to success.
I am taking 15minutes every morning to remind myself of where I am going, that helps me to re-focus and stay on track. From now on I will add the four steps written down by Napoleon Hill to help nurture my persistence even more.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Motivational Music =-.
I love the idea of taking 15 minutes to remind yourself who you are amd where you are going. So often we miss these crucial steps, but it is this persistence that finally pays off.
Cath
If you delve deeper at the four steps provided you can see that the first three are more individual steps.
While a friendly alliance with one or more persons will provide that force on which it will continue to build that catalyst to continue through your plan and purpose, I believe that the major steps for success do come down to the individual. First and foremost, we need to have the courage and persistence to succeed.
.-= Cemil´s last blog ..Following a Entrepreneurs Mindset =-.
Napoleon Hill certainly does have a way of simplifying thing that seem to be complicated.
I agree with steps 1-3 is a must to be followed, if you want to be persistent in achieving success.
In my view, Step 4 “A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose”, certainly helps but is not essential.
.-= Cade´s last blog ..Technical Analysis of Stock Trends #3 – Price Chart Indicators =-.
Persistence is something I have and yet something so many wagrateful. nt me to lose. When I set my mind on something it’s difficult for anyone to change it and I’ll fight till the end to defend my stance. This, unfortunately, does get me in trouble some times but when it pays off I know I’ll be the one that remains grateful.
.-= Sarah Butland´s last blog ..Live With Regis And Kelly in PEI!!! =-.
Hi Sean,
A delight to read here that a method for developing persistence can be learned and that it’s not just something you are born with, that either you have or you do not.
I am quite thrilled to start practicing the 4 steps here and am optimistic that I will discard unwanted habits that hold me back and waste time. My time can be better used achieving with a new found persistence.
G’day Sean,
The KISS principle was one of Mr Hill’s greatest talents, and here he’s done it here again !
1. A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.
I’m OK with this as I know what I want and have it written
2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
Vision board, daily readings, daily work on the forum, Yotacademy etc
3. A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions from relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
4. A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.
For me, number 3 is the toughest as I have family members who stick their negative oar in my works quite a bit, so removing myself is often the answer. When free, I’m able to fly through what I want to do OK.
Number 4 is my favourite and is exemplified by our wonderful forum, you, Yang and the Zodiacs who all are keen to see us succeed
Cheers
Harry
.-= Harry Lynn´s last blog ..Your Mobile Phone and Emergencies =-.
My number ONE way to nurture my persistance is my sense of humour. Being able to laugh and seeing the humour in everything keep my state up, helps with creativity and flow, relationships with everyone, attracts similar people… and helps me to expand.
.-= Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Apple iPad Launch =-.
Hi Sean,
I love these 4 steps as they are within everyone’s reach in the here and now and if implemented correctly as a way of life results can show benefits for an eternity to come.
If overlooked we can expect to get what we have always been getting.
.-= Jill Brown´s last blog ..Common Law Marriage – What is Common Law Marriage? =-.
Thanks Sean,
The power of the mind is an amazing thing and has been proven time and time again throughout history. Napoleon Hill devoted his life to bringing us this life changing information and for this I am dearly grateful as I am for your teachings as well. : )
Hi Jeremy,
I felt the same thing the first time I read Sean’s Mindset Mastery series. It has been life changing for me but I’m still learning to make having a successful mindset a way of life.
It’s the challenge to be consistent that gives me the most trouble. I’m also very grateful to both Sean and Napoleon Hill; two great men helping people to create the lives of their dreams.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion =-.
Nurturing Persistence, I am taking one step at the time!
I have a definite purpose backed by burning desire, I will be working through the steps like I said one at a time!
Thanks Sean.
Hi Sean
I quote the first step ” backed by burning desire for it’s fulfillment” This to me is the strongest link between purpose and action and without a burning desire our ambitions will be wishy washy.
Without burning desire, there would be no fuel to energise the body and spark the mind to get that adrenalin going so that we can move forward with absolute committment.
Without burning desire, the greatest love stories in the world would never have been written, men and women would just be mediocre and we would probably still be running the mile in over 4 minutes!
.-= Elly´s last blog .. =-.
I have just cut and pasted those four points for developing persistence so that i wont forget them.
The information and contacts we are getting here in the For A Few Dollars More comp are certainly helping to build on those points.
Just as we nurture our bodies and nurture our relationships, nurturing persistence is so important in achieving what we want out of life.
I love the four simple steps which lead to the habit of persistence.
“Simple” being the operative word. Why make it harder than it has to be?
If we follow these guidelines and don’t get sidetracked, then we will be very happy and very successful people (no matter what area we choose that to be in!)
Cath
Hi Cathy,
The best thing about persistence is that you can learn to develop this quality. If it’s not something that comes natural to you, you can use Napoleon Hill’s four steps to make it a habit.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen – Aussie Internet Marketer Making a Difference =-.
I came back here to re-read this because at this stage I felt a need to boost my persistence – even with this comp. I particularly like points 3 and 4 – and am taking steps to enact them
Hi Peter,
I’m with you. I often re-read the Mindset Mastery series to give me that boost I need to keep pushing forward. When you have the right mindset, everything is easier.
Persistence is definitely the key to success.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Success – Make It Happen =-.