Persist

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our power to do it has increased."

Often quoted by my paternal grandfather, Clayne Robison 1909-2004.

Originally from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I am pretty sure my Dad heard these words a lot in his home growing up, for he can quote them upon demand. I too, have memories of this quote. It is a good one. A really good one. While at my parents house the other day I came across it again., written out in my Fathers handwriting on a grass-green card. It was nestled inside a birthday package I was mailing off to Thailand.  

Lately I have been a bit discouraged with myself. Discouraged, with my seeming lack of talents and skills. Sometimes I fall into the trap of feeling like I got skipped over in the "natural talent" department. Deep down I know that is not true, its just that sometimes recognizing your own talents can be difficult.

But this quote reminded me yet again that it is less about natural talent (although surely that helps), and more about persistence in developing and/or maintaining those talents. It is the act of persisting that makes the most difference.

Persist, persist, persist. Even when it's hard, even when you are discouraged, even when you would rather not. Persist Helen!