The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines perseverance as persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. The COVID 19 Pandemic was a true experiment in perseverance by testing our mental health, motivation, relationships, as well as productivity at work and school through fear, illness, isolation, and unfortunately loss.
Steve Jobs believed that perseverance was the key to success; the ability to keep moving toward your goal no matter the challenge. This linked article from Inc. Magazine explains Jobs’ belief and how showing up and plugging away is, well, more than half the battle.
On March 4, 1993, Jim Valvano gave a speech at the ESPY Awards. Terminally ill with metastatic adenocarcinoma, he announced that he had started the V Foundation for Cancer Research. He said the Foundation’s motto was, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Faced with unimaginable and terrifying adversity, Jimmy V. was determined to fight cancer even after his death.
Jim Valvano died on April 28, 1993. 30 years later, the V Foundation states on its website that the cancer death rate in the United States has dropped 33% since 1991 and there are 18 million cancer survivors today. A true testament to the power of perseverance!
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