I wrote this post last June, but I needed reminding of my own words and I thought there might be others going through times of uncertainty and faced with that decision to sink or swim…So here it is again! NEVER GIVE UP.
We hear this phrase fairly regularly, it is like the unwritten rule of bravado that we all have in side of us and blurt out when the time is right to jeer our friends and family on. But have you ever thought in detail about the concept of perseverance.
For me there are three types of people, those who quit, those who persevere and those that change the variables and branch off down a different route in order to get to their desired goal.
Don’t get me wrong, we have all quit something in our lives, I know I have. I have quit hobbies, educational courses, jobs…but there have also been other activities that I have been relentless with and refused to quit until I got it right, or got what I was aiming for.
I therefore believe it is important before you quit (or even before you start anything) to be clear that what you are trying to achieve is something that you really want in life and which will ultimately propel you forward to your end goal.
And so for the remainder of this post, I will take the view that the goals you are concentrating on right now are goals that you want more than anything.
Here are three of my favourite quotes about perseverance.
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein
Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. ~Author Unknown
“if we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking”
Buddhist Proverb
I want to share with you now, a historic moment in Olympic History, when in 1992 Derek Redmond a British Athlete, competing at the Olympic Games, in Barcelona captured the hearts around the world and showed us what true perseverance really looks like.
Derek Redmond had been plagued many times by numerous injuries throughout his athletic career. He had endured 13 operations on his Achilles, tendons and knees. He had been faced many times with having to withdraw from competitions because of his injuries.
Yet as he embarked on his Olympic journey and entered the arena for the semi finals in the 400 metres, he was in his best ever physical shape. He was extremely positive and tipped to win Gold for Britain, life was looking bright….his goal was easily within his grasp…and then tragedy struck.
Derek Redmond set off from the race in a dominant position, he was 200 metres and only a few seconds away from the greatest accolade an athlete can achieve, a Gold Medal…but just after the 200 metre mark, Derek heard a pop, he thought at first that he had been shot, only to realise he had snapped his hamstring.
Watch this heart warming and inspiring video of what happened next…..
…and so now you know, Derek completed the race with grit and determination and with the support of his father with whom he had started his career with. Derek completed his goal when it would have been so much easier to just give up!
This day in Derek’s life turned out to be a turning point. His determination to reach for his goals when everything was stacked against him, has given him the right to become one of the most inspirational and talented motivational speakers there is. He teaches individuals, groups and businesses how to create successful team dynamics, how to overcome obstacles and how to perfect goal setting.
He is committed in helping aspiring young athletes learn life skills and necessary disciplines for being the best that they can be. He is further committed in his goal of seeing the British Team exceed their goals in the London 2012 Olympics.
Never Give Up,
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June 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
wow. I can’t imagine what that must have been for Derek.. but he wanted to finish, reached his goal in spite of the odds.. very inspirational. I think once you have planned for something, commit to it, succeed regardless, you earn a quality of life, another level to appreciate - unlike anything else… very inspirational post ..
.-= Lesly´s last blog ..Are You Brainwshing Yourself? =-.
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Thanks Lesly, agree with everything you say. It doesn’t matter how long it takes us to get to our goals as long as we get there in time.
Beth
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June 24th, 2010 at 12:33 am
Beth,
Love the Video, We all have it within to never say never and to never quit, motivation and posts like this keeps the spirit alive
.-= Chris Bernardo´s last blog ..How a Good Flash Intro Video increases leads. =-.
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June 24th, 2010 at 8:25 am
Great post Beth and great video, it has seriously inspired me to get my ass back up again and again when I eat it skateboarding. That’s simply just how you gotta roll. GET ER DONE!
.-= Matthew Neer´s last blog ..Crazy Ass Japanese Skater =-.
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June 24th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Hi Beth,
I really liked the perspective here of making sure your actions will bring you to your goal BEFORE you persevere. I am one who perseveres but if I am persevering with the wrong actions, then I am just wasting my time and energy. Thanks for sharing this.
.-= Debbie Stevens´s last blog ..Courage and Confidence =-.
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June 28th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Hi Beth
Wonderful message and I love the video. I must confess to tears in my eyes watching it.
Cheers
Sue
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Didn’t mean to make you cry Sue…but I know what you mean…it’s an emotional video. I am glad you liked the message.
Thanks,
Beth
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Great video Beth! Nice blog.
.-= Joanie´s last blog ..Depression Can Be Lifted Easily and Effortlessly =-.
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June 29th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Great article Beth. I remember that day, it was gut renching to see but I didn’t realise he had gone on to be a motivational speaker.
It just shows what can happen
Thanks for sharing.
Mick
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Absolutely, I remember it well too, I had just left primary school and was all of 11 years of age hehe…Funny what happens in 18 years WOW…It’s so great that he went on to be the inspiration for so many people and young dedicated athletes. Thanks for your comment.
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June 29th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Thanks Beth for this inspirational lesson. We all have to find our Olympics (our big dream).
Coach Freddie
.-= Coach Freddie´s last blog ..What Is Success =-.
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Absolutely right, the Olympics analogy works on so many levels…especially all those eyes around the stadium watching you achieve massive success!
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July 1st, 2010 at 1:47 am
Very inspiring, Beth! Along with being a fantastic example of perseverance, Derek has demonstrated one of my favorite aphorisms: “Every wind is a good wind for sailors who know how to set their sails.”
Thanks much for the inspiration.
All the best,
George
.-= George Shears´s last blog ..Mindfulness as a Master Skill–Part II- Sensory Clarity =-.
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July 5th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
What a powerful message of perseverance. Continuing to stick it out, and stick to it, when all the cards seem to be falling the wrong way. Indeed it often is that last key that opens the lock. Glad to see Day 4 arrived with it’s good friend Day 5!
Kimberly
PS: Which reminds me of the silly kids joke…
Why are numbers 1 & 2 afraid of number 7? … Because 7 “eight” 9. When you figure that one out, you’re daughter will be amused LOL
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July 6th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Hi Beth,
This is a great post with a powerful message. Being absolutely clear on what we want and cultivating burning desire for achieving it is essential. Then, it’s all about commitment, determination, consistency in our actions, and a strong belief that we will realise our dreams, no matter what! As long as we always continue to grow and learn in the process, constantly moving forward towards our goals, then we’re on the right track!
I feel fired up after your post! Thanks for your inspiration!
Justine
.-= Justine Simard´s last blog ..Burn Your Bridges and Never Go Back- =-.
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hey Justine,
I am glad that my post had a positive effect on you, it really is a great inspirational story and a lot of people remember the day at the Olympics never knowing about all the positive things that happened to Derek and those who crossed his path in the years to come.
Thanks for your comment,
Beth
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December 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I really love this quote “if we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking” sometimes that’s all we need to get what we wanted.
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March 3rd, 2011 at 9:21 pm
What an inspiring video, Beth! As a runner - albeit not a sprinter(!) - I can really appreciate that story. A pulled hamstring is no fun, but it sounds as though his actually snapped. When I pulled a hamstring, I was on crutches for several days and it took weeks before I could even walk normally again.
I love the way you use this story to illustrate how to keep going as the best of your three alternatives. As one who is right now working on finding a better way, this really appealed to me.
Thanks for the inspiration
Alan
Alan Jenkin´s last [type] ..How to Blog – What is the Right Length
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March 5th, 2011 at 3:08 am
Beth,
I have seen that video before. It is touching and inspiring. First, it shows how important it is to just never give up. Second, It shows the power of love and support. And third, it shows that we are so affected by the love and support we receive. So many of us think we can do it alone and that is just not true. We need each other. All of us have moments when we feel less driven and could possibly give up. One voice, even if it is in our own head, of someone who has encouraged us, can make all the difference.
Warmly,
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..The Now Habit – Do YOU Have It
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March 5th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Beth,
Thanks for this post/video, it’s the perfect timing for me. I’ve been feeling a little discouraged lately and it’s just what I needed to pick myself up and get rolling again
Thanks so much,
Adam
Adam Sheck´s last [type] ..Would You Want To Be Married To You
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March 6th, 2011 at 2:12 am
When we strive to be the best in any occupation personal growth is sure to follow or lead. I remember seeing this video on Facebook months ago. It brought tears to my eyes. As far as perseverance goes; I have given up on many things in my life. On people, on jobs, on businesses, on ideas, but never on my writing and I have been very consistent with my blog over the last year. Lately I have been wondering what I am persevering towards and I have to remember to be in the moment. Have a vision but be in the moment. Everything works out. We sit in the middle of our fate and free will wondering what next sometimes but those are just moments when our perspective needs a little smile.
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March 10th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hi Beth,
Thanks for this very inspirational post. Stories like this make you think about where you are in your life and where you would like to get. If people like Derek are capable of doing things like this, why wouldn’t anyone be able to challenge themselves and achieve extraordinary things?
Anything can be done with ambition and perseverance!
Thanks for this great story,
George
George Tiganus @ MLM Success´s last [type] ..Traffic Geyser vs Tubemogul vs Content Buzz
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March 10th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Hi Beth,
You picked a great post to showcase again especially since I missed it the first time. What a great example of perseverance and support.
You’ve made the point how the support of someone else can be very key as well. When you include someone closely in your desire to reach your goal, you can have that person’s support when you need it most.
You are right to remind us to never give up on our most desired goals and also to involve others to help make sure you succeed!
Dawn and (Dave)
Dave and Dawn Cook´s last [type] ..3 Simple Videos Show How To Set Up Your Blog Fast
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March 12th, 2011 at 2:58 am
Hi Beth,
It’s now a day since a big earthquake AND a tsunami struck the pacific region… We watched whole day what devestation it caused in JAPAN. And many other countries in this region are on high alert. I wish all these people effected out there that they don’t give up what the Lord has presented them with, a world changing experience and a turning point in many peoples lifes. Thank you very much for sharing this post again…
All the best to You and Your success,
Alex
Alexander Paul´s last [type] ..An Online Tribe… What is that
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March 12th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Hi Beth,
Thanks for sharing this inspirational and motivational video.
This is a powerful message for many people to take to heart.
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.. “Edison failed 10,000 times before he made the electric light. Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times.” Napoleon Hill
It is so important to never lose sight of your goals and dreams. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
If you can develop the mental toughness to persevere and you surround yourself with positive thoughts and positive,supportive people and you think in terms of success.. you CAN and WILL overcome many challenges and obstacles.
To your massive success,
Marc
Marc Korn´s last [type] ..Did You Know That You’re About To Become A Part Of MLM History
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March 12th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
What a wonderful story, Beth. I’ve been cruising around TSA Mastery member sites today and have gotten so inspired. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and video. I had a wonderful talk with Gavin Mountford last week, and he told me that it normally takes three years to monetize a product. THREE YEARS!!! If we give up to soon, we’re only cheating ourselves.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
Miss Leslie´s last [type] ..Basic Singing Course Lesson 10- Singing ‘Re’
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March 13th, 2011 at 4:31 am
Hi Beth,
This is an amazing display of perseverance and determination.DOing and completing seemed to have as much, if not more, meaning to Derek as the result. And, that reminds me that it’s our passion that drives us - the commitments and goals to act. You know, Beth, I needed this. Thank you for the light
Dena
Dena-Lynn´s last [type] ..How to Set Work At Home Boundaries
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March 13th, 2011 at 5:48 am
I don’t even want to imagine the raw agony, both physical and emotional, that Derek went through that day. But what bravery, to get back up and finish the race!
Thanks for sharing this with us, Beth.
Willena Flewelling´s last [type] ..The Mystery of Sex Transmutation – The Cricket and the Coins
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March 14th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Hi Beth!
Your message is extremely powerful when you input Derek’s awe-inspiring story in it. Simply impressive!
It’s definitely true that your biggest successes come from your greatest failures. That’s what happened to Derek and countless others who’ve attained success.
Yasser
Yasser Khan´s last [type] ..Stop Blaming Others!
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March 15th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Hey Beth,
That is a great video and story. The thought of hearing your hamstring pop is making me a little queasy. The message is dead on though.
Your advice on deciding what you are trying to achieve is something that you really want in life is really great advice. In the past I have learned the hard way, but now I make a plan first and write down the reasons why I want to achieve this and if it’s just for money or ego then I won’t do it. If it’s for something bigger then I go all in with laser focus.
Your whole blog, not just this post, is inspiring and will incite a never give up attitude. Thanks for sharing this post from the archives… what else do you have stored away?
Thanks,
Kevin
Kevin Schmidt´s last [type] ..New School Press Releases
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March 18th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Hey Beth! This week’s TSA group just got me to meet and read more and more inspirational posts! I am so glad I landed here
Just a few days ago I was looking for ways to stop being lazy and start doing the things I need to do to succeed in life. Thanks for sharing this post and the video. Great to connect with you on TSA!
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March 22nd, 2011 at 12:06 am
Hello Beth….I loved the video! We all need to remember to never give up in anything we choose to do in life. You inspired all of us who have visited this page.
We must look for ways to be an active force in our own lives. We must take charge of our own destinies, design a life of substance and truly begin to live our dreams.
To Your Success,
Barbara Harnsberger
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Hey Barbara,
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, I am glad that you liked the video…it is one I like to come back to time and time again.
Looking forward to connect with you on Facebook soon,
Beth
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
April 2nd, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Thank you for your comment and good luck with your continued journey to success
all the best Beth
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November 19th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Really inspiring Beth
Ben´s last [type] ..Do You Have What it Takes to be an Entrepreneur?
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