By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In middle school, I learned about tenacious people. I thought it was a fancy word for stubborn, and I wore the label well. But I discovered so much more, a mark of persistence that has stayed with me all these years. Tenacity is more than being stubborn or determined, but a person who practices persistence in striving to reach their goals. They are willing to push through the thickest fog.
Tenacity shows the value of staying on task and shaking off negativity, a trait for all of us to achieve.
Too many people give up on their dreams, abandon lifelong goals, and walk away from the special topic that gave them purpose. The reason? Too hard. Costs too much. I’m young, and this “thing” is eating up my day-to-day life. Or I’m old, and this “thing” hasn’t happened yet. Neither am I organized, so why should I continue?
Tenacity = Purpose, Pursuit, and Planning.
Our pursuits could be foolish, inappropriate, dangerous, and/or illegal. But I’m instead referring to a purposeful endeavor that is good for us and benefits our world. Tenacious people learn how to be tough mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The word impossible is deleted from their vocabulary.
Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.
Louis Pasteur
What are 15 ways we can practice tenacity in our lives?
- Define what tenacious means to you. Be specific according to your personality.
- Pray for wisdom and guidance. Ask God if the dream or goal is a part of God’s plan for you.
- Know the dream or goal. None of this “I think it’s impossible.”
- Determine if the objective is beneficial to not just you but others.
- Record the chronological steps needed to ensure success.
- Check off what has been completed.
- Choose a timeline of completion.
- Eliminate those habits that push your dream or goal aside. Banish negative thinking.
- Ask a trusted person to keep you accountable.
- Keep a journal of progress to include victories and defeats.
- Set aside time to regularly analyze the preparations made to this point. Make changes if necessary.
- View the past as learning and growth.
- Employ a positive attitude.
- Encourage others with their dreams and goals.
- Thank God for His provision and blessings.
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.
Albert Einstein
When we realize that tenacity is missing in the pursuit of our dreams and goals, we can choose to step away or move forward. What will you choose?
Comments 26
Love this. I took notes and am using them in my prayer time today. Thank you.
Author
Tina, I’m thrilled. Thank you and have a blessed day!
I’m thankful God gifted me with tenacity (sounds better than stubborness), but I know I have both. Perhaps tenacity is stubborness with “class.” Or even better, tenacity, as presented from a Christian, is persistence and determination throught the filter of the Fruit of the Spirit (action with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.) Emjoyed your message, DiAnn.
Author
Hi Katherine, I like tenacity is high-class for stubborn. Even better is the Christian definition. Thank you so much!
So encouraging! I’m learning how to be tenacious but it doesn’t come naturally. Still, my hope is in the Lord, and I trust that He will complete the good work He began in me.
Hi Sandy, I think our natural flesh wants to push back, but like you said, He will complete the good work He started in us.
Love, Love, Love your lists, DiAnn!
I’ll be referring to this one over and over – at each valley in my writing walk.
My latest hurdle is be tenacious with too many things I want to do. Gotta pick one and do it. And let some of the others go.
Thanks, Karen, and we can’t do them all and obey God’s calling. Be blessed!
Great post; thank you for writing this, DiAnn! I recently was asked to speak on what it takes to write a book. Of course, things like plot, conflict, and such were mentioned. But my main point was the single biggest thing you need to write a book is perseverance. (I need to preach that to myself as I get back into the swing of writing after a 6-month health struggle.) Thanks again for your encouragement!
Thanks, Lana, So glad you enjoyed the post. Keep your writing going!
I like the idea of tenacity:that holding on to, no matter what. I have had much disappointment about my book not not being published like I would love it to be. I have, however, discovered that my desire and dream refuse to die. I have the feeling that it will be done. I am working at whatever it takes. Tenacity is my drive at the moment.
Thanks for this boost, DiAnn.
Author
Frances, I encourage you to finish this book in obedience to God’s call. Then start the next one. Let’s those words flow from God to you.
Thanks DiAnn.
Hmmmm
Sometimes life is like that dandelion that keeps coming up where it’s not welcome.
So I can get my trusty dandelion digger out and figure it out. Problems are part of life, but just like the pretty yellow dandelion flower, I choose to look for the sunshine, not the pesky weed.
And figure it out.
Have a sunshiny day.
Author
Joyce, that is beautifully stated – and so true. Thank you!
This was so helpful! I’ve wanted to write the true story of our choir being held hostage for many years! I can use what you have shared to help me. Thank you so much!
Author
Susie, so glad to help! May your story inspire a ton of readers.
The meaning of a word is often characterized by the way we apply it to our lives. Such is the case for “tenacity.” Thank you, DiAnn, for another thought-provoking post.
Author
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate your kind and encouraging words.
Once again….a very convicting message, full of truth and wisdom. Lord help me replace procrastination with tenacity.
Author
Cindy, I’m smiling! You can do it!
Great thoughts. Like this step: View the past as learning and growth.
Author
Thanks, Debbie! For me, the older I get, the more the past gives me life lessons.
Interesting question.
I am usually tenacious. We must use tenacity when standing firm for Christ.
However, I am also learning to choose my battles wisely. Not everyone’s addenda needs to be mine.
Great post, DiAnn.
Thanks, Barbara, I’m rather tenacious too, but like you, I have to pick and choose my battles. Jesus, curb my tongue!
Oh yes, the tongue gets me into so much trouble. Help us, Jesus.
I try to be gracious and loving, but I am no longer “kissing up” to people. I prefer to speak truth because sometimes things need to be said.
An example. . Not sure if it’s a good one or it. We are at a restaurant with a group of seniors. The lady across from me said I’m going to tell them it’s my birthday, so I can get a free dessert. I said, that’s not honest. When the server came sure enough she told the server it was her birthday. The server was falling for it and got all gushy. I said, it’s not her birthday, she’s telling you that to get a free dessert.
Surprisingly, the woman who lied kept wanting to give me gifts in later months. She never remembered and I never reminded her.