"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." ~ Thomas Carlyle

Sometimes, when you set specific goals for yourself, it seems like life deals out a continuous stream of obstacles. You surmount one; then another shows up; then yet another. After so many obstacles, one more impediment showing up can seem like you have hit a wall; an impassible wall. It is tempting to just throw in the towel, to give up, to resign yourself to not getting what you want.

The long distance runner knows all about 'the wall'. It is the point where your whole body is screaming at you, telling you that it has reached the limit of its stamina and it is time to quit. But, the runner who pushes on and with the force of will, breaks through the wall soon discovers that not only has running become effortless, but supremely enjoyable. The endorphin rush has kicked in. Victory runs in the bloodstream. Endurance and determination have enabled the runner to break through that seemingly impassible barrier.

These are strong words: endurance and determination; and so are their various synonyms: perseverance, persistence, resoluteness, implacability, tenacity.

They are, however, more than just strong words. They are words of an indomitable will. They speak of the character of a human being. They speak of success. They speak of the qualities that winners have. They speak of the complete dedication and passionate commitment to an ideal. They speak of personal power. There is enormous power that can be garnered from an indomitable will to succeed.

Where does this power come from? Belief in one's self. Owning clear and firm ideals. Intense desire to see those ideals realized. When others desist, tired of the struggle, the winner is able to reach down inside his or herself to gather strength from the commitment to the ideal and the intense desire to see it made manifest.

The dogged determination to win is what elevates an ordinary person up from mediocrity into excellence. This determination makes it possible to persist in the face of what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. Will power is real power. It is the power to make dreams come true. It is the power to effectuate. It is the power to create. This power may originate in one's belief in one's self; but it is magnified by each victory over the temptation to quit when faced with an impediment.

With every new obstacle that is vanquished, this personal power increases; self-confidence grows, belief intensifies, endurance is multiplied and the goal is closer to being realized. Obstacles should not, therefore, be viewed as impediments to success. Rather, they should be seen as an opportunity to build strength and power. Obstacles are a test of character. Facing those obstacles with resolve is proof that you deserve the success you desire.

Are you determined to win? What will you do when you run up against the wall?

Become tenacious. Build your belief muscle by affirming your self-worth. Define your ideals and goals. Become passionate about them. Stay focused. Above all, persist.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." -Calvin Coolidge