The Persistence Formula
Develop unbreakable persistence through four essential steps: definite purpose, definite plans, a closed mind against negativity, and a supportive alliance.
Hill declares that persistence is to the character of man what carbon is to steel — it is the essential hardening agent. He identifies persistence as a state of mind that can be cultivated, and provides four simple steps for developing it. First, you need a definite purpose backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment. Second, you need a definite plan expressed in continuous action. Third, you need a mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences including the suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Fourth, you need a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through with both plan and purpose. Hill also identifies eight sources of persistence and sixteen symptoms of its absence. The central insight is that lack of persistence is the most common cause of failure, and it is always curable. The starting point of persistence is the intensity of desire — weak desires bring weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.
- Persistence is a state of mind and therefore it can be cultivated
- The basis of persistence is the power of will combined with desire
- Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat
- Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent advantage
- No one is ever whipped until they quit in their own mind
- There is no substitute for persistence — it cannot be supplanted by any other quality
- Establish a Definite Purpose Backed by Burning DesireKnow exactly what you want and want it so intensely that pursuit becomes inevitable. A strong motive forces one to surmount many difficulties. Without burning desire, persistence collapses at the first obstacle.Pro tipIf you find yourself lacking in persistence, the remedy is to build a stronger fire under your desires. Reconnect with why your purpose matters at an emotional level.
- Create a Definite Plan Expressed in Continuous ActionOrganized plans, even imperfect ones, encourage persistence. Express your plan through continuous action, not sporadic bursts. If your plan fails, replace it immediately with a new one.Pro tipThe emphasis is on continuous. Daily action, however small, maintains momentum and keeps the subconscious engaged. Gaps in action allow doubt to creep in.WarningMost people meet failure at this point because they lack persistence in creating new plans to replace those that fail. The failure of a plan is not the failure of the person.
- Close Your Mind Against Negative InfluencesClose your mind tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Fear of criticism is the most common destroyer of persistence — it usually operates in the subconscious where its presence is not recognized.Pro tipBe especially vigilant against well-meaning people. The most dangerous negativity often comes wrapped in concern from those closest to you.
- Build a Friendly AllianceForm a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through with both plan and purpose. Surround yourself with a Master Mind group that reinforces persistence rather than undermining it.Pro tipYou do not need a large group. Even one ally who believes in your purpose and holds you accountable can make the difference between quitting and persisting.
Hill observed across his study of over 500 wealthy Americans that every single one demonstrated extraordinary persistence. He studied the careers of Henry Ford, Fannie Hurst, Kate Smith, W.C. Fields, and many others who succeeded only after sustained periods of apparent failure. He noted that the majority of people are ready to throw their aims overboard at the first sign of opposition, and that the few who carry on despite all opposition are the ones who become Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edisons.