Patient Endurance

To enjoy success, we must first understand and accept that things; skills, opportunities and challenges, take time to evolve, involve and resolve.  One key secret to success is endurance; the capacity to persist over an extended period of time.

5 hours into Day 1 - Photo by Vicki Millen

5 hours into Day 1 - Photo by Vicki Millen

In studies conducted across a range of industries, Angela Duckworth (author of ‘GRIT, the power of passion and perseverance’) discovered that consistent effort can often outshine talent. 

Whether it is a physical, mental, or emotional challenge we are facing, having the patience and determination to endure improves our chance of success exponentially. 

Break it down into chunks you can manage.  Small wins keep us motivated and on track.

My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to cycle across Spain, along the Camino de Santiago.  The trip was more than 900kms over The Pyrenees and then across Spain; 16 days riding, walking and at times hauling our bikes (including our luggage panniers) in sunshine and icy rain, through terrain of mud, clay, rocky shale, and river rock.  The first day alone was an 11-hour trek and included climbing to more than 1,800m above sea level.  I almost cried with relief when we arrived at our accommodation for the night and we were back out riding at 7:30am the following morning… 

This journey was one of the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging experiences of my life.  It was also the most rewarding.

To consider, on day 1, that I had 16 days and almost 1,000kms to travel, was too much for me.  To be honest I was worried about even making it over The Pyrenees.  The uncertainty of what I might face, how hard it might be, how long it might take, could I do it. My self-talk was “I just need to get through today”, and throughout the day as we faced a myriad of challenges, I reminded myself “I just need to get past ‘this part’”.  Getting through day 1 was one of the toughest days of my life – but that little win was enough to get me started on day 2.

This approach could just as effectively be applied to everyday challenges.  Studying for your qualifications; learning new skills; advancing your career; or persevering through periods of isolation in our current lockdown.  Knowing your goal and breaking it down to weekly or daily mini goals, helps nurture our endurance.

When is enough enough?
Endurance is not intended to be an eternal struggle; we want to find that sweet spot between giving up too soon and persevering beyond our personal boundaries.

When we are stepping into action, it is important to balance perseverance with appropriate caution and personal wellbeing.  All good plans should include boundaries and decision-making factors to help us to know when we should call a stop to an action. Things like setting a budget of time or money you will spend, job satisfaction benchmarks, mini milestones or deadlines at the outset, will help you in knowing when to call an end to this action or reach out for help.   

Endurance does not mean giving in to suffering.  I would encourage every one of us to reach out to others and ensure we do not feel alone as we persevere.  Our personal network can help us feel supported especially when we are managing ongoing challenges.

Cam and I on Day 7 - Photo courtesy of Kath Stephenson

Cam and I on Day 7 - Photo courtesy of Kath Stephenson

You can build your capacity to persist over an extended period of time, by practicing these behaviours.  

  • Set your goals, mini milestones, and boundaries

  • Engage your mindset

  • Harness your strengths

  • Contribute toward your goal every day

  • Seek support

What endurance strategies have worked for you in the past?  How can you adapt them to your current challenge?

I’ll be posting every weekday in August. Follow me to benefit from my Adapt in August series and build your capability for adapting to change.

Keep well,
Vicki

My business is helping you with yours…

If you would like further information or to arrange some support in building this skill please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I look forward to helping you build your success your way.  

Yours in success,
Vicki