A matter of will
The habit of persistence is acquired by willpower. Once you have made a choice of a long-term goal, you must stick to it, writes I.M. Soni

Will is the real and innermost centre of human personality. It is not the man who conquers the mountain. It is the hidden willpower in him that does it.

Likewise, think of a man with a weak will. He is pushed around by everybody, is brushed off as a wishy-washy, and is the one who sits on the last bench in an office meeting. He goes unnoticed in social life. He is overcome by obstacles. But the man who has a strong personality, overcomes obstacles. He finds fulfilment in career as well as life, and accomplishes even insurmountable tasks.

Strong willpower does not come without pre-conceived effort. Like anything else valuable, it is to be had by anyone who wants it — if he pays the price.

You must will every day for a month, a year or even two. You can remake yourself if you convince yourself of the need and worthwhileness of such a necessity.

Visualise by making an imaginary mental screen. This erases the negative past. Now, picture the positive. See as clearly as you can; fruits will accrue from this exercise of steely willpower.

Change your body language. Walk with your head held high, chest inflated. Stride with strong, decisive steps. Brush aside speed-breakers.

Determination to stick on is the factor which makes even an average person successful. Its absence turns brilliance into failure or mediocrity. Similarly, an average idea, carried through to a moderately good conclusion, is more useful than a bright idea that is unimplemented.

Lack of persistence often goes with a want of method and an absence of order. These are the signs of an untidy mind. To persist is to preserve, which means to hold on despite obstacles.

Obey the edict: "Do it now." Whenever something arises that needs to be done, do it.

Putting things in place, carrying out jobs in proper sequence, making sure all tools and materials are at hand and counting different types of items involved are manifestations of the orderly mind — the basis for
achieving results.

Putting things off, thinking to do them later, means that they will not be done at all!

Use a time schedule. The time at your disposal is limited. To make the best use of it and to get things finished, it is necessary to set aside a particular hour each day for that purpose. A lot can be packed into a day if it is properly planned.

It is simple common sense to budget time as carefully as money. The person who does neither is always short of both time and money.

Time budgeting is essential. Each day should begin with anything let left over form the day before. In this way, you provide yourself with a reminder which will nag at you until a task is completed. Once you get into the way of working steadily, it becomes a habit. You brush your teeth and shave as a routine time-fix.

Go slow, making sure each task is done properly and without looking too far ahead. As each little bit of the work is done, start thinking about the next. When work has to be left, leave it in such a state that you can start immediately when you resume. For instance, break off in the middle of paragraph. You resume work you carry on with the idea already in your mind. This gets you going.

The habit of persistence is acquired by willpower. Once you have made a choice of a long-term goal, you must stick to it, putting other things away. Your resolve may be tested when you come up against your obstacle or a setback. The temptation to give up is strong.

Any goal worth working for entails problems and difficulties. The more you have to face, as a rule, the greater the success you have.

Instead of blaming luck, look for the cause in your own actions. Re-arrange your plans; see what lessons the setback can teach you. Then start again, from the beginning, using a fresh approach.

Giving up in the face of an obstacle is common. It is the sign of a weakling who can go under when things are not well. The people of character fight back and persist when things go badly.

If you are honest, you admit that all too often things put off ‘‘until circumstances are more favourable" or "until I have more time" often prove to be off forever. A thing put off today may never be done!

Admit that you are putting off when you find an apparently good reason for putting off some action. Be really sincere in wanting to end the habit, for the excuse found for delay may be a handy way of dodging an unwelcome job. Acknowledge it. This provides a useful stimulus to end it. Your pride is involved. Do not tolerate any exceptions. Postponing, condoned once, becomes harder to resist. Keep in your mind three magical words, "Do it now."

Being extra cautious, making sure circumstances are favourable are alibis for procrastinating. A common way of side-stepping a job is to find shelter in inability. "I cannot" really means "I will not." It weakens determination. The will to preserve is diluted.

Accustom yourself steadily day after day to concentrate your attention on will and energy. You will be well rewarded.