When I unwrapped Scroll III of Og Mandino’s “The Greatest Salesman in the World” I was reminded that persistence wins the day. I have plenty of hopes and dreams. But hoping and dreaming will only get you started down the road of fulfillment.

Then, on this week’s webcast, I learned that persistence is not a character trait. It’s actually a habit.

Well, I must say that I have been lacking persistence in my life’s journey. I’m used to starting projects, and then getting distracted, discouraged, or simply pulled away by life’s responsibilities. Persistence is the missing link of my success. I’m sure there are other missing links, but persistence tops the list.

I realize that “persistence” doesn’t allow anything to stop it from moving forward. It may need to take a break and regroup. It may slow down, but it doesn’t stop. The fire continues to burn while the distraction is being worked out (you can’t ignore everything).

Persistence may get thrown off track physically, but mentally it is still ready to get back to business. Persistence will rest, but not quit.

Persistence is the habit of consistently taking one more step, trying one more time. Persistence doesn’t recognize quitting or defeatism. It doesn’t attend pity parties. Persistence certainly isn’t afraid of failure.

I want to develop the habit of persistence so it can become a natural part of my life. I want to focus until I’m finished.

I am where I am in life because of the bad habit of starting and stopping. It takes time to build momentum after you’ve come to a full stop (translated: thrown your hands in the air and given up). After a while, you feel worn out and uninspired. But the dream is still there.

So, what are you going to do? You’re going to start again. I was like the Little Train That Could (a childhood storybook). Eventually I’ll get there but it may take decades at the pace I’m going!

Og Mandino’s Scroll I reminded me that “only a habit can subdue another habit.” I am replacing the useless habit of starting and stopping with the good habit of persistently pursuing my hopes, dreams, and goals.

Today is a new day with a better understanding of the importance of that old fashioned “stick-to-it-iveness.”

I just started a new project a couple of weeks ago and know that it’s an opportunity to fulfill two of my shapes/colors. I’m thankful for the Master Key Experience to help me to get focused and more importantly, stay focused. I’m still battling with my Subby, but I have an intelligent understanding of what I’m dealing with.

I’m breaking my peptide addiction to mediocrity.

I persist until I succeed.

I form good habits and become their slave!