Words I like: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” – Alden Mills, Navy SEAL and inventor of the Perfect Push-Up
Persistence is the key to success. Utilizing it during tough times can be challenging, and can even seem impossible. How can you maintain your goals during these challenging times? Keep reading to learn the 8 Actions of the Master and Commander Code and the UPERSIST framework.
The Power of Persistence
“Persistence needs patience, discipline, perspective, tenacity, relentlessness, and unwavering pursuit.” – Cal Ripken Jr.
Persistence is the ability to keep pushing to reach your goals despite challenges or opposition, and it’s an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting desire into its monetary equivalent.
Work diligently. Work patiently and persistently. And you’re bound to be successful.
Your ability to persevere and the determination to keep going are keys to achieving success, both personally and professionally.
I Technically Failed College
On March 28, 2008, I broke my leg playing ultimate frisbee during the first game of the first tournament of senior year, missed my senior season on the BC frisbee team, and spent the last two months of college on crutches. After I hobbled across stage at Boston College graduation in May 2008, I sat down in my seat and opened the big diploma holder to see a simple 8.5 x 11 piece of paper reminding me that I did not fulfill the requirements to graduate. I went 0/3 senior year on taking the Spanish SAT IIs to pass out of my foreign language requirement.
So while my friends traveled around Europe, I was enrolled in Spanish summer school at UMD and still working as a lifeguard to pay for those classes before I launched my career at Deloitte in August.
The most difficult times in life often teach the most valuable lessons.
I learned that persistence, grit, and a positive mental attitude can help you overcome any obstacle.
Pro Tip: There are 3 steps to remember: (1) Implement an action, (2) Adapt to the result and repeat until you (3) Overcome the obstacle.
NEGU = Never, Ever Give Up!
Essentially, this philosophy allows you to keep pushing towards your goals, even in the face of adversity.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.
Pro Tip: Commit to developing your persistence and ask yourself, “What goal am I determined to conquer today?” It can even be simple, like calling one future customer, writing an investor update email you’ve been procrastinating on, or clearing off your desk to have more clarity. When you start small, it’s easier to build momentum and not to get overwhelmed.
The 8 Actions of the Master and Commander Code
The Master and Commander Code is a way of simplifying and reminding yourself of what it takes to make something happen. It contains the 8 actions to UPERSIST. I repeat this to myself every morning and have it written on a notecard taped up in my office.
- Understand the Why: Tie every goal to its deeper purpose.
- Plan in 3-D: Learn to embrace challenges and prepare for the unexpected.
- Exercise to Execute: Emphasize physical action as a tool for mental clarity –> “When in doubt, push it out!” –> If you’re feeling stuck, immediately drop and do 10 pushups to see if that simple action can get you unstuck.
- Recognize Your Reason to Believe: Revisit your past victories for confidence in the future.
- Survey Your Habits: Double down on helpful habits and ditch the harmful ones.
- Improvise: There are 3 steps: (1) Implement an action, (2) Adapt to the result and repeat until you (3) Overcome the obstacle.
- Seek Expert Advice: Surround yourself with experts.
- Team Up: Build a team to complement your strengths.
Embrace Your Unstoppable Mindset
Persistence is a skill you strengthen through action.
This week, challenge yourself to apply one or more of the 8 actions from the Master and Commander Code. Whether it’s experimenting with pushups when you feel stuck, or reminding yourself of past victories to increase your confidence in the present moment, or reaching out to an expert for help. Every action counts.
Remember, persistence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, taking action, adapting, and moving forward.
Never, ever give up!
Book a free 30-minute Scalability Audit
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
1) 1:1 CEO Coaching to lead your company more effectively and work through challenges. Email me if you’re interested because I only have 1 coaching spot open this year.
2) See if a Fractional Executive is right for you to scale your company with top-tier talent on your terms. No pressure to hire, just the chance to talk about your unique situation and interview 2 vetted candidates (plus a third on request) who could help.
3) Free Entrepreneur Roundtables for entrepreneurs seeking advice at any stage to come in with problems and leave with a new lens to examine their business, helpful DIY resources, and potential solutions. Join me on Wednesdays in October at 4pm ET on Zoom.