The 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, spoke these words when his nation was challenged: “One thing is sure. We have to do something. We have to do the best we know how at the moment…; If it doesn’t turn out right, we can modify it as we go along.”
There are times when life pushes and boxes all of us into an uncomfortable corner, and we are not sure what to do. The wind of life often blows beings into a state of confusion and conundrums that test our judgment calls to the severe test. Even as we hang on solo in the land of trials, we have no choice but to make a move away from what is buffeting us. Whatever move we make may not be the best, but we have to put it to the test.
At the Intersection of life, you seek counsel from the wise. You battle with yourself as your body, soul, and spirit rage in belligerence against the custodian being. People tell you to do this and that and do that and this. But they do not feel what you feel. They do not know what you know. Only you know what you feel and what others do not.
My friends, I am not in your situation as you read this. The heat you feel does not hit me, and the pain you deal with I do not know. But what I will express to you is this: Whatever decision you make, do not wave the white flag of surrender amidst your challenges. You may be closer to the mountain top of victory than you think. It is profitable to stay tenacious even in tribulations.
The spirit of tenacity refers to a strong-willed and determined mindset that drives individuals to persevere through challenges and obstacles. A tenacious man persistently continues to work towards goals despite setbacks or failures. It is the spirit that causes men to bounce back from adversity and maintain positive momentum. The heat of the trials should sharpen your focus and commitment to breaking through where others are breaking down as you stand strong, facing fears and uncertainties with confidence and bravery. Tenacity helps individuals navigate challenges and find creative solutions.
A young Tanzanian man named John Stephen Akhwari is an inspiring example. John was a marathon runner who competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He was running the marathon when he fell and severely injured his knee about 10 kilometres from the finish line. Despite the pain and injury, Akwari continued running. John finished the marathon in 2:59:27, an hour and 47 minutes after the winner, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia. Despite not winning, his determination and perseverance earned him international recognition and admiration that we recall till today. Akhwari’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not always about winning but about the effort and tenacity you put into achieving your goals. It is profitable to stay tenacious even in tribulations.
Why do some people quit a journey leading to fulfilled promises as they face trials and challenges along the way? Why do men wave the white flag of surrender even when success is imminent but clouded by taunting troubles? Men, like anyone, can quit due to various reasons related to tribulations, because of some of the following reasons: feeling unable to cope with the pressure and stress of challenges, and fear of not meeting expectations or achieving goals, can lead to quitting. Losing interest or enthusiasm due to repeated setbacks or difficulties can cause anyone to give up on dreams, and unfavourable conditions, such as financial struggles or relationship issues, can contribute to quitting. Setting unachievable goals or expectations and setting unrealistically high standards can lead to disappointment, frustration, and quitting. But by understanding the reasons behind quitting and developing strategies to overcome tribulations, individuals can build resilience and tenacity.
I once read this story about American Randy Dobbs, CEO of three different companies valued at more than $1bn. Dobbs is a proven leader who has successfully operated and grown businesses that are dependent on both geographically dispersed organisations and the application of technology. Over the course of nearly a 30-year career at General Electric Company, Dobbs rose to become one of the 150 corporate officers directing this global entity. He is a turnaround specialist who has transformed every organisation he has led with an established record of improved earnings. Dobbs learnt an apprenticeship of sorts from his grandmother whom he lived with when he was six years old. The woman worked at a laundry and was dogged in her approach to life. Dobbs never saw his grandmother take a day off work even in the face of failing business activities. She would be the first one to get to the local laundromat and the last to leave at night. The one lesson that stood out was the repeated instructions he was given almost daily: “Keep on keeping on, never give up, do not accept quitting as an option.” Hang tough. Do not drop out. Do not surrender. You cannot quit now. Those were the persistent messages Dobbs received from his grandma.
Tenacity is a crucial virtue and prerequisite to success. Being tenacious means giving all that you have got, 100 per cent of what you have, not more than you have. It also has to do with working with determination, not waiting on destiny. When conditions become difficult, tenacious people keep working. Many talented people have failed in life because they were not tenacious. Many people who have everything at their disposal to succeed have failed because they quit pressing on to a higher calling. Never, never, never quit. Quit only when the job is done, not when you are tired. Push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of. Give it all that you have (no more, no less). Work with determination to succeed. To improve your tenacity, you must work harder or smarter; stand for something and make your work a game. Tenacity in a cause of life evokes prosperity in the course of life and living.
Before you throw in the towel and wave the white flag of surrender in any endeavour, remember that some people have always thought that you lack the tenacity to finish what you started. They are those who are praying that you fail. Get this, my friend, many people are waiting for you to fail! If you surrender, they will rejoice and celebrate your inability to finish what you started. Your surrender will become the source of happiness for your haters. So, hang tough. Do not drop out. Do not surrender. You cannot quit now. Stay tenacious in tough times.
