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Ever noticed that when you're working feverishly on a new idea you hit a point where it looks impossible? Its easy to become discouraged when you hit that wall, but that's not the place for discouragement.

Many entrepreneurs only see the obstacles at this juncture. They lose sight of their original vision.

They give into discouragement, opposition and obstacles. Not knowing a breakthrough was on the horizon. If only they were persistent.

A persistent mindset enables you to continue firmly down the path.

In the words of Thomas Edison, "Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless.... Reverses should be an incentive to great accomplishment. Results? Why, man, I have gotten lots of results! If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is just one more step forward.... There are no rules here, we're just trying to accomplish something."

Thomas Edison envisioned a safe, mild and inexpensive light bulb. Did he succeed on his first try? No it took 1200 experiments and an investment of $40,000 to see his vision come true

When he hit the Discouragement Barrier, what if he had quit? The world would be sitting in the dark!

Before you can have success, you will definitely have obstacles. Even the dictionary puts the word obstacle before success.

When you overcome struggles and obstacles, they will strengthen you. They show you how far you've come. Their main purpose is to help you grow. Understanding this purpose will keep discouragement in perspective. If you stay focused on obstacles, you question your vision and self doubt takes over. That lack of confidence leaves you vulnerable to fear and criticism. Causing you to stop pursuing your dreams and ideas.

Make a conscious decision to become persistent. Train yourself and develop this vital trait.

Napoleon Hill gives eight factors that persistence is based upon:

1. Definiteness of purpose: know what you want.
2. Desire - strong passion for what you want
3. Self-reliance -the belief to carry out your plan
4. Definite plans - written organized plan.
5. Accurate knowledge - your plan is based on experience or observation.
6. Cooperation - being with others who will help you develop persistence.
7. Will power - concentrate your thoughts on obtaining your goals.
8. Habit - persistence is a direct result of making it a habit.

Four Steps on Developing Persistence

1. A written purpose is a must along with a burning desire to obtain it.
2. Write a plan of action. What steps do you need to to make it happen?
3. Watch your self talk. Negative self talk causes a lot of damage. Get rid of all negativity and discouraging influences in your life.
4. Form or join a mastermind group of positive minded people who encourage and hold you accountable on completing your actions.

More than 60 years ago, on October 29, Winston Churchill gave a speech. His words are still vital today: "Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yielded to force; never yielded to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals. Stay focused. Never change your goal, only adjust your plans. You can replace the plan if necessary, but not your goal.

If you want to succeed, persistence must be at the core of your life. When you learn to break through the Discouragement Barrier, you are on the path to greatness.

Ann Rusnak, Time Management Expert, teaches overwhelmed entrepreneurs how to Get More Done in Half the Time. Sign up for her free 4 part Time Management video series "Control Your Day in 15 Minutes at http://Just15Minutes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Rusnak

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Written by Ann Rusnak