If there was only one quality that I would look for in a person to make me a believer, that quality would be persistence.
Passion, creativity, motivation are all great qualities to have when pursuing success. BUT, no one thing ever guarantees success. The closest thing is persistence.
Whereas passion and creativity come in waves, persistence is a constant trickle of human spirit. You will never have waves of success if you do not first fill the ocean with drops of effort.
At times it may seem like we are wasting our efforts, but I guarantee that we are not. The curve of success is not a steady linear increase from the start. Nothing will be purely easy from day one. More importantly, nothing will yield the desired result from day one.
It may be day 30, day 60, day 100. It may even be years.
Two years is the time Truth and Strength has been online. Prior to that I had invested three years on my previous blog, Baring it All.
You may ask me what I have to show for my efforts. My honest answer is nothing…And everything.
No, I have not achieved a consistent viewership or income from this blog as of today. No, I do not have thousands upon thousands of subscribers.
But I have not given up. I believe in my work. These words in these articles here are imprints of my soul. I believe WITHOUT A DOUBT that my words of motivation, truth, and strength will inspire others to pursue a life of meaning.
Because I do not just write these words, I AM these words. Words are powerful. They can heal and they for sure can make you stronger.
If I am lying to you, my life would not be what it is today.
In the years since starting a blog, I have physically and mentally become stronger.
Things I have accomplished in my life since beginning a blog include:
- Completing the 90 day “NoFap” challenge (zero masturbation) THREE times.
- Finding the girl I love, who is now my fiancée (edit: she is now my wife).
- Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
- Completing four years of medical school.
- Starting medical residency training as a family physician (edit: I am now practicing family medicine).
What is my passion?
In Latin, the word “docterae” literally means “to teach.” Therein lies the meaning of all my works, vocational, written, and lived. My purpose in life is to continuously learn the ways of the world, and share that knowledge with others so that we each may live a fulfilling life.
One great knowledge of nature that I want to share with you today is the virtue of PERSISTENCE.
I have had my share of mistakes.
I messed up experiments, did poorly on exams, received negative feedback from doctors, was scolded by nurses, and sometimes did not muster the motivation to study, workout, and write.
But not a day went by when I forgot my passion. Persistence was the steady smile that came on the best of days, but it mattered a whole lot more when it came on the worst of days.
Today might be a challenging day for you. I have been there.
I share these things about myself not for you to draw comparisons, but to tell you precisely what I know to be true:
Your potential is great, and given the fact that you are reading this article now, is greater than most. You sought this piece of inspiration, and you shall obtain it.
One of the best ways that you will achieve your success is simple:
Persistence.
The instructions to Carnage Hall were not clear enough. You only need to say it once.
Persistence.
He who seeks shall receive. He who perseveres shall become victorious.
You may say this is “motivation” and “pep”. I say that this is the truth. You don’t need to jump up and down.
You just need to say these words to yourself every day for the rest of your life.
Now is not too late and now is not too early. It is the right time and the best time.
Whether I strike gold tomorrow or take years to reach above ground like the bamboo shoot, I can guarantee myself one thing:
I will not regret never giving up.
I will persist, and smile while I do it.
That is all.
Oh, one more thing.
Truth and Strength has but one destiny.
It will be a place that honours its name.
Until next time.
Your persistent friend,
-Tie
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