How to develop persistence? And its causes and symptoms.

CAUSES OF PERSISTENCE

Persistence is a state of mind, therefore it can be cultivated. Like all states of  mind, persistence is based upon definite causes, among them these:—

a. DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE. Knowing what one wants  is the first and, perhaps, the most important step toward the  development of persistence. A strong motive forces one to  surmount many difficulties.

b. DESIRE. It is comparatively easy to acquire and to  maintain persistence in pursuing the object of intense desire.

c. SELF-RELIANCE. Belief in one's ability to carry out a plan  encourages one to follow the plan through with persistence. (Selfreliance can be developed through the principle described in the  chapter on auto-suggestion).

d. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS. Organized plans, even  though they may be weak and entirely impractical, encourage  persistence.

e. ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE. Knowing that one's plans are  sound, based upon experience or observation, encourages  persistence; "guessing" instead of "knowing" destroys persistence.

f. CO-OPERATION. Sympathy, understanding, and harmonious cooperation with others tend to develop persistence.

g. HABIT. Persistence is the direct result of habit. The mind  absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it  feeds. Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by  forced repetition of acts of courage. Everyone who has seen active  service in war knows this.

SYMPTOMS OF LACK OF PERSISTENCE

Here you will find the real enemies which stand between you and  noteworthy achievement. Here you will find not only the "symptoms" indicating  weakness of PERSISTENCE, but also the deeply seated subconscious causes of  this weakness. Study the list carefully, and face yourself squarely IF YOU  REALLY WISH TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE, AND WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE  OF DOING. These are the weaknesses which must be mastered by all who  accumulate riches.

1. Failure to recognize and to clearly define exactly what one wants.

2. Procrastination, with or without cause. (Usually backed up with a formidable array of alibis and excuses).

3. Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge.

4. Indecision, the habit of "passing the buck" on all occasions, instead of facing issues squarely. (Also backed by alibis).

5. The habit of relying upon alibis instead of creating definite plans for the solution of problems.

6. Self-satisfaction. There is but little remedy for this affliction, and no hope for those who suffer from it.

7. Indifference, usually reflected in one's readiness to compromise on all occasions, rather than meet opposition and fight it.

8. The habit of blaming others for one's mistakes, and accepting unfavorable circumstances as being unavoidable.

9. WEAKNESS OF DESIRE, due to neglect in the choice of MOTIVES that impel action.

10. Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat.

11. Lack of ORGANIZED PLANS, placed in writing where  they may be analyzed.

12. The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp  opportunity when it presents itself.

13. WISHING instead of WILLING.

14. The habit of compromising with POVERTY instead of  aiming at riches. General absence of ambition to be, to do, and to  own.

15. Searching for all the shortcuts to riches, trying to GET  without GIVING a fair equivalent, usually reflected in the habit of  gambling, endeavoring to drive "sharp" bargains.

16. FEAR OF CRITICISM, failure to create plans and to put  them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or  say. This enemy belongs at the head of the list, because it generally  exists in one's subconscious mind, where its presence is not  recognized.

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 but 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 of 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 one to take these  four steps as a matter of habit.

• These are the steps by which one may control one's economic destiny. 
• They are the steps that lead to freedom and independence of thought. 
• They are the steps that lead to riches, in small or great quantities.
• 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, INDIFFERENCE.