I Persist Until I Succeed

Persistence!

One of the activities woven into the Master Key Experience is the reading of The Greatest Salesman On Earth, by Og Mandino. This gem is packed with wisdom for success in all fields, not just sales.

Persistence on the Camino is rewarded not only in Santiago but in every step of the Way!

According to the instructions in the book, the student is to read each lesson three times per day for a full month. Having ten lessons, this gives you ten months to really absorb and apply these wise words.

On December 1st, I began to read The Scroll Marked III: I Will Persist Until I Succeed.

I Persist Until I Succeed

Have you ever felt like giving up, throwing in the towel, calling it quits, surrendering to taking the 'easy way out?'

If you say no, I would be tempted to call your bluff. I think we all feel that way from time to time. During my recent Camino there was one day in particular when I was tempted to take a taxi! However, I was there to walk, so I walked - with persistence!

Here is your reminder to continue on your journey, no matter how difficult, with persistence.

"I was not delivered unto this world in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. Let them join the sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny." Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World, Scroll 3

Powerful words, right? We all know those who weep and complain. Don't catch their disease! You can protect yourself by sticking with the Mental Diet (see blog post). And you can be too busy going after your dreams (with persistence) to even listen.

Change the words you use to eliminate negativity.

"I will never consider defeat and I will remove from my vocabulary such words and phrases as quit, cannot, unable, impossible, out of the question, improbable, failure, unworkable, hopeless, and retreat; for they are the words of fools." Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World, Scroll 3

I challenge you to take a look at the words you use. Even if you say "I won't quit" or "it's not impossible" you are still using those words, and your subconscious listens. Use words of positivity instead: "I am successful." "It is possible." "I have faith."

Some words are sneaky, like 'try.' When you say you will 'try' to do something, you are sending a message to your subconscious not to succeed, but to keep trying - pushing success further into the future.

Always I take another step. I persist until I succeed

Even the word 'will,' which Mr. Mandino uses liberally in his book, is misleading to your subconscious mind. Again, it is pushing the success that you want further into the future.

A practice in the Master Key Experience is to simply eliminate the word 'will' from each sentence. Try it and see how powerful the message becomes.

"Always (will) I take another step. If that is of no avail I (will) take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult. I (will) persist until I succeed." Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World, Scroll 3

Review your life for signs of Persistence

Be proud of the successes you have had in your life. It's okay to brag a little. Bragging can build up your confidence, as long as you aren't obnoxious about it:) I remember the first time I completed a marathon I felt like I could do anything!

Celebrate the wins, from learning to walk, to graduating from school, to baking a cake or birthing a child. Jot down a few of these wins and look back on them if you are feeling discouraged.

And think of others who have done what you are thinking of doing. If you look at me and think "She wrote a book, so can I." Or "She walked the Camino, so can I." - then I am satisfied that I may have provided some inspiration for you.

Take baby steps

Are you still hesitating? Try taking some small step on the path toward your goal.

"I (will) build my castle one brick at a time for I know that small (attempts) actions, repeated, (will) complete any undertaking. I (will) persist until I succeed." Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World, Scroll 3

Above all, keep persisting!