Category: Inspiration

Perseverance is the Critical Component of Success

Reaching the destination is the culmination of one more stride, repeated again and again, while refusing to entertain the idea of giving up.

Beginning a new journey is the easy part. After the decision has been made, you start out. You feel fresh, energized, and optimistic. You know what you want. Then, adversity hits. Something unexpectedly difficult occurs. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Fatigue and discouragement creep in, then settle in. What once seemed so grand is now hazy. The goal is still there, in front of you, out there somewhere. But now, you begin to wonder if it’s worth it. You begin to ask yourself, “If I quit now would it be so bad?”.

U.S. Navy SEALS are some of the most elite, hardened, and mentally tough soldiers in the world. Those who attempt to become SEALS undergo a grueling training period known as BUD/S. Not all of the candidates make it successfully to completion. Along the way, trainees may opt-out at any point they wish to. According to accounts I have read, it is often those who have a Plan B who are more likely to drop out. For those who only have a Plan A, to make it to the end of the training, the odds of success are much higher.

Do you have a Plan B? I am not talking here about demonstrating flexibility and changing course, when necessary. I am referring to a contingency plan that takes the form of ultimately throwing in the towel. If it gets too hard… If it takes too long… If I’m not sure I can do it…

Sometimes the difference between success and failure lies in taking one more step. After all, you can’t reach the summit of the mountain in one giant leap. It happens one… step… at… a… time.

So when you don’t think you can keep going, take one more step.

When you get tired, take one more step.

When you get bored, take one more step.

When it seems overwhelming, take one more step.

When it seems hopeless, take one more step.

The choice is one we all face: Live with regret, or live with victory?

Are you in need of a professional coach who possesses both the tools and experience to help you persevere during this season of your journey? If so, contact me for a complimentary consultation and we’ll explore the possibilities together.

Chuck Sheron
Executive Leadership and Career Coach
360.836.0391
[email protected]

Take a moment and consider who your heroes are. Go ahead. Who do you think of? Beyond superheroes (Batman was always a favorite of mine!) two of my heroes are my parents. Although they probably wouldn’t have been my answer when I was a teenager, I see now they were incredibly consistent with aligning their values with their goals, behaviors, and choices. Faith and family were always at the top of their lists, and as a result my brothers and I benefited from that with a great upbringing.

Who your heroes are says a lot about you. Specifically, what you value. For example, if you ascribe a premium to courage you may say first responders (e.g. police officers, firefighters, etc.) are your heroes. If you place a high value on altruism your may admire missionaries, teachers, or social workers. Next, ask yourself what you are doing to live out those values. It doesn’t necessarily mean your occupation needs to align with your values. Instead, the “doing” could take the form of volunteer work you are involved with.

Or, maybe there is a disconnect between what you do for a living and what you think is most important. In that case, you may find yourself in a state of disequilibrium vis-a-vis your career because it’s not matching-up with your values.. If so, you may want to check-out some additional resources from my website. Feel free to contact me if you are curious what it could look like to work together

All the Best,
Chuck

Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of doing things a certain way. Seeing things a certain way. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that (and we humans tend to value routine), benefit can be derived from occasionally driving off-road, so to speak.

For example, my daughter recently graduated from high school. What a day! There I was in the stadium with my family to celebrate this unique occasion. Typically, I would ready my phone to record the significant moments – perhaps even moving to a different location to get a better vantage from which to film. Instead I did something different. I remained where I was and immersed myself in the scene. Without a phone to distract me and viewing what was in front of me through my own eyes, unfiltered, I gave my full attention to what was unfolding below: The students in their blue gowns walking across the green field. The principal giving his speech. My daughter walking across the stage to receive her diploma. Me reaching for tissue on all of these occasions. I’m quite certain I would have missed something in the event had I not made a conscious decision to be fully present.

So I ask you – when was the last time you created a moment? One of my favorite U2 songs is, Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of. If you are currently stuck and in need of a fresh perspective, strategy, or mindset to get unstuck so you can move forward, I invite you to contact me via one of the links on my website.

All the Best,
Chuck