SigmaMyself
Persistence is often described as the ability to keep going despite obstacles, failures, and setbacks. It’s the grit that pushes us to rise after every fall, to try again when the odds are stacked against us, and to keep moving forward even when the path ahead seems uncertain. My life has been a testament to the power of persistence, and through my experiences, I’ve learned that persistence is not just a trait—it’s a skill that can be cultivated, honed, and leveraged to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
In this article, I will share my personal journey of persistence, starting from my high school years, through college, and into my professional life. Along the way, I will tie my experiences to real-life studies and research on persistence, grit, and resilience. By the end, you’ll not only understand the importance of persistence but also gain actionable insights on how to apply it in your own life.
High School—The Awkward Kid Who Never Gave Up
High school was a challenging time for me. I was the awkward kid who didn’t quite fit in. I wasn’t the most athletic, the most talented, or the most popular. But what I lacked in natural ability, I made up for in effort. I threw myself into as many extracurricular activities as I could—band, football, wrestling, and track. These activities became my training ground for persistence.
Football: Outworking the Talented
Football was my first real lesson in the harsh reality of life: sometimes, the world feels unfair. There I was, the awkward kid who didn’t fit in, pouring every ounce of effort into practice, while some of the naturally gifted players coasted by on their talent. They skipped practices, shrugged off the coach’s instructions, and still got to start on game day. It didn’t make sense to me. How could they be rewarded for their lack of effort while I was grinding day in and day out, trying to prove myself? It felt like the system was rigged.
But instead of letting that frustration consume me, it ignited something inside of me—a fire to outwork them. I made a silent vow to myself: if talent was their gift, then persistence would be mine. I would push myself harder, run faster, and endure longer than anyone else on that field. I would make my effort undeniable, even if it meant pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion.
The Unfairness of Talent
It was hard not to feel a pang of resentment. These players had something I didn’t—natural ability. They could throw a perfect spiral, make a jaw-dropping catch, or sprint past defenders with ease. But what they didn’t have was discipline. They didn’t show up to every practice. They didn’t listen to the coach’s advice. They didn’t seem to care about the team as much as they cared about their own glory. And yet, they were rewarded. They got to start on game day, while I sat on the bench, wondering what more I had to do to earn my spot.
I remember one practice in particular. It was a sweltering afternoon, the kind of heat that made the air feel heavy and the grass sting your skin. We were running laps, and as always, I was determined to finish first. I didn’t care if I was the fastest or the most talented—I just wanted to prove that I could outlast everyone else. As I pushed myself harder and harder, I noticed the talented players starting to drop off. They slowed down, then stopped altogether, complaining about the heat or how tired they were. Meanwhile, I kept going, my legs burning, my lungs screaming for air. I finished that lap first, but it wasn’t just about winning. It was about proving to myself that I could push through when others gave up.
Hell Week: Pushing Beyond Limits
Then came Hell Week—the most grueling part of football season. It was designed to test our limits, to see who had the mental and physical toughness to make it through. The drills were brutal: endless sprints, tire flips, and tackling exercises that left us bruised and battered. By the second day, players were dropping like flies. Some quit outright, while others faked injuries to get out of practice. But I refused to give up.
I remember one drill in particular—the gauntlet. It was a series of punishing exercises back-to-back, designed to break you down. By the time I reached the end, I was seeing stars. My vision blurred, my legs wobbled, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I could hear the coach yelling at me to keep going, but his voice sounded distant, like it was coming from another world. My body was screaming at me to stop, but my mind refused to listen. I pushed through, finishing the drill just as my legs gave out. I collapsed on the grass, gasping for air, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest.
It was dangerous, I know that now. I was probably suffering from heat exhaustion, and pushing myself to that point could have had serious consequences. But in that moment, all I cared about was proving that I had what it took. I wanted to show the coach, my teammates, and most importantly, myself, that I wasn’t going to quit. Not ever.
The Turning Point
That moment was a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about football anymore—it was about life. I realized that talent might give you a head start, but it’s persistence that gets you across the finish line. The talented players might have had an advantage, but they didn’t have the grit to push through when things got tough. And that’s where I excelled.
Over time, I started to see the results of my hard work. I wasn’t the most talented player on the team, but I became one of the most reliable. The coach started to notice my effort, and although I never got the starting spot, everyone in the team including the coach new that I wasn't the type of person that would give up.
The Science of Grit
My experience in football aligns with the research of psychologist Angela Duckworth, who coined the term “grit.” In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Duckworth defines grit as the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. She found that grit is a better predictor of success than talent or IQ. Her studies show that individuals who are willing to work hard, stay committed, and persist through challenges are more likely to achieve their goals.
The Lesson I Learned
Football taught me that life isn’t always fair. Some people are born with natural talent, while others have to work twice as hard to achieve the same results. But it also taught me that persistence is the great equalizer. No matter how unfair things seem, no matter how many obstacles you face, if you keep pushing forward, you can achieve greatness.
I carried that lesson with me long after my football days were over. It became the foundation of my work ethic, my determination, and my refusal to give up, no matter how tough things got. And it’s a lesson I hope to pass on to others: talent might give you a head start, but persistence will carry you across the finish line.
Band: Practicing Through Imperfection
Band was a different story. Unlike football, where I could rely on my physical effort, band required a different kind of persistence. I wasn’t a natural musician. I often forgot where to go next in the formations and struggled to keep up with the more talented players. But I refused to let myself be the weak link.
I practiced relentlessly. I studied the music, memorized the formations, and spent hours honing my skills on the saxophone. Even though I never became the best player in the band, I improved significantly. My persistence paid off, and I learned an important lesson: progress doesn’t always mean being the best. Sometimes, it’s about being better than you were yesterday.
The 10,000-Hour Rule
My experience in band echoes the findings of psychologist Anders Ericsson, who popularized the concept of deliberate practice. Ericsson’s research, detailed in his book Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise, suggests that mastery in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. While my time in band didn’t come close to 10,000 hours, the principle remains the same: consistent, focused effort leads to improvement.
Wrestling: Being Coachable
Wrestling was perhaps the most humbling of all my high school experiences. I was going up against opponents who had been wrestling since they were children. They were stronger, faster, and more skilled than I was. But I noticed something interesting: many of these talented wrestlers didn’t listen to the coach. They relied on their natural abilities and ignored advice that could have made them even better.
I, on the other hand, had no choice but to be coachable. I listened to every piece of advice, studied my opponents, and worked on my weaknesses. Over time, I started winning matches—not because I was the most talented, but because I was willing to learn and adapt.
The Growth Mindset
My experience in wrestling reflects the concept of the “growth mindset,” developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck explains that individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. This mindset fosters resilience and a willingness to learn, which are key components of persistence.
Track: Training Smart
Track was where I learned the importance of not just working hard, but working smart. I was naturally fast, but competing at the varsity level as a freshman was a humbling experience. No matter how hard I ran, I couldn’t keep up with the more experienced athletes.
I realized that I needed to refine my techniques. I studied my form, adjusted my stance, and even paid attention to small details like how I tensed my jaw while running. These small changes shaved milliseconds off my time, and over the course of a season, those milliseconds added up. Track taught me that persistence isn’t just about effort—it’s also about strategy.
The Science of Marginal Gains
This concept of small, incremental improvements is known as the “aggregation of marginal gains,” popularized by Sir Dave Brailsford, the former performance director of British Cycling. Brailsford believed that making a 1% improvement in multiple areas could lead to significant overall gains. My experience in track is a perfect example of how this principle works in practice.
College and Beyond—The Power of Persistence in the Face of Rejection
The Job Search Rut
After college, I hit a major roadblock. As a criminal justice major trying to break into the technology field, I faced rejection after rejection. I didn’t have the right degree, the right experience, or the right connections. It was a devastating time, but I refused to give up.
I began to analyze my failures. I read books on self-improvement, practiced my interview skills, and sought feedback from interviewers. Many of them were kind enough to offer constructive criticism, which I used to improve. I also took a bold step: I started bringing examples of my work to interviews. I created test cases, test plans, and defect reports to show potential employers what I could do. This persistence eventually paid off, and I landed my first job in the tech field.
The Role of Feedback in Persistence
Research by psychologist Edward Deci highlights the importance of feedback in fostering persistence. In his work on self-determination theory, Deci found that constructive feedback helps individuals feel competent and motivated to improve. My experience aligns with this research—by seeking and applying feedback, I was able to turn my failures into stepping stones.
Persistence in Professional Life and Beyond
Building a Career in Technology
My persistence didn’t stop once I landed my first job. I continued to push myself, learning new skills, taking on challenging projects, and seeking out opportunities for growth. Over time, I became a successful engineer, a role that has allowed me to provide for my family, invest in real estate, and give back to my community.
Giving Back Through Nonprofits
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the ability to give back. I started a nonprofit organization to support my community and volunteered my technical skills to help a local baseball and softball organization. These efforts have been a testament to the power of persistence—not just in achieving personal success, but in making a positive impact on the world.
The Ripple Effect of Persistence
Research by Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, suggests that persistence and resilience can have a ripple effect, inspiring others and creating a culture of perseverance. My experiences with nonprofits are a reflection of this principle—by persisting in my own journey, I’ve been able to inspire and support others.
Conclusion: The Lifelong Journey of Persistence
Persistence is not a one-time effort; it’s a lifelong journey. From my awkward high school days to my successful career in technology, persistence has been the common thread that has tied my experiences together. It has taught me that failure is not the end—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again.
As you navigate your own journey, remember that persistence is not about being the best or the most talented. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and refusing to give up, no matter how many times you fall. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone pursuing a personal goal, the power of persistence can help you achieve extraordinary things.
References
Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
Ericsson, A., & Pool, R. (2016). Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise. Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.
