Tenacity - Your Ticket to Success

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. ~ Louis Pasteur

There’s an old adage that says, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. It’s a good thought, but it doesn’t include the whole truth.

You see, the word ‘try’, in this case, means to attempt something. It does not necessarily mean a commitment to succeed.

Do you remember your mom asking you to do something you really didn’t want to do? You responded, “I’ll try, Mom.” Did you do it? Probably not. ‘Try’ just isn’t strong enough to inspire effort.

W. C. Fields put it this way: “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then give up. There's no sense being a darn fool about it.”

That, of course, is how most people proceed. Well, I’ll give it a try. If it doesn’t work, well, maybe I just wasn’t meant to ____.”

The word, try, appears 83 times in the Bible. In most cases is refers to an unsuccessful or half-hearted effort. Try does, however, have a stronger meaning. It is a legal term meaning to judge or test.

If your efforts are intended to test your abilities, to prove your capability, then you are trying to prove something – in court, to others, or to yourself. That requires tenacity. Atto
eys do not quit a case until it is tried and decided. They dig, search, work, ponder and plan for a win. Anything less is unacceptable.
Tenacity is often the deciding factor.

I like to watch old detective series on TV – Matlock, Monk, and Perry Mason. They were tenacious in finding the evidence to prove their cases. And they always won, courtesy of a great script. No matter, the lesson applies.

Regardless of what you want to prove – your talents at work, your ability for a new venture, success as a spouse or parent, do more than try. Be tenacious. Do your research. Learn the skills. Find people who can support and help you. Make whatever changes are necessary.

Tenacity could change your marriage if you focus your thoughts and actions on pleasing your spouse. Selfishness has no place in relationships. It will stop your progress because it is always easier to stay where you are than push forward. Relationships always require more than just a ‘try’.

Tenacity could change your career. Just a few hours a week spent learning new skills will make you invaluable to your employer – or will open new doors of opportunity.

Tenacity can improve your health, your attitude, everything about your life. But you must make a tenacious effort toward your goals. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t waver.
2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Try your own selves, … prove your own selves.” I challenge you to prove how serious you are about changing your life. Show the world that you are dedicated, capable and tenacious. The world will return to you victory, success and great personal satisfaction.