The Power of Showing Up
Why Perseverance Pays Off

There are inescapable times in life when we are Sisyphus himself, climbing a rock on our shoulders again and again under an unwavering prophecy. On the road to success, the challenges and difficulties can feel endless, and it’s easy to lose sight of why we’re pushing in the first place. Yet, it’s in these moments of doubt that perseverance becomes the compass guiding us forward.

Take the job hunt as an example:

• On average, job seekers need to submit 21 to 80 applications before landing a single offer.

• The process takes around 122 days, roughly four months.

• During this time, applicants spend an average of 6.5 hours per week job-hunting and submitting 16 applications weekly.

Needless to say, you can secure a position with much less effort (if you don't believe us, just RoadMap it). However, even when you're hired, it’s just the beginning.

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

Those early challenges? They’re not roadblocks, they’re stepping stones:

➡️ Set Clear Goals

Think about what success means to you and run a process. Target a certain number of networking outreaches and applications daily.

➡️ Celebrate Small Wins

Landed your first big project? Made it through a tough presentation? Celebrate it! Every step counts.

➡️ Stay Adaptable

When Plan A doesn’t work, don’t give up, pivot to Plan B.

➡️ Build a Support System

Find mentors, friends, and colleagues who’ll cheer you on and give you perspective.

One of the main obstacles to perseverance is forgetting about the steps needed to reach big goals. If you feel you're working hard with no results, it's easy to lose motivation, so don’t forget to practice self-compassion. Learn, adapt, and keep going.

Hot Off the Press!

At the UN, young people push to make sure the generational shift is faster — and more substantial.

Jennifer Peltz

There are over 1.9 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24, but young people are few and far between in positions of authority. The Inter-Parliamentary Union, reports that less than 3% of members of national legislatures are under 30.

Young people are increasingly demanding a greater voice in global decision-making. Faced with a world of crises, including climate change, conflict, and social inequality, this generation is actively seeking to shape the future.

Despite the challenges, there is a growing momentum for youth engagement. The UN's "Pact for the Future" recognizes the importance of youth participation, but true progress will require a shift from symbolic gestures to genuine empowerment.

Ultimately, the success of this movement will depend on the ability of young people to overcome obstacles, build strong networks, and effectively advocate for their vision of a more just and equitable world.

Curated Clicks

Staying motivated and pushing through life's challenges is tough, but the Professor of Perseverance Podcast, hosted by Dr. James Perdue, can help! This podcast is jam-packed with inspiring stories of individuals who've faced adversity and triumphed. It offers powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and living a meaningful life. You can find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Why It Matters

We all face obstacles, but how we respond to them shapes our paths. Hearing firsthand accounts of perseverance reminds us that challenges can become opportunities for growth.

We suggest you start with the episode “What Is The One Thing You Can Do Today? featuring Rob Cook." Rob shares how he overcame challenges as a college football walk-on and navigated major career shifts, redefining legacy as the lessons and impact we leave behind. 

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