Do you think life and the issues in life are impossible to overcome? Well, check out these quotes and proverbs on persistence and perseverance by some of the most successful and great minds of human history.
Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. ~Anonymous
Saints are sinners who kept on going. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Don’t give in to discouragement. If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about people’s opinions. Be obedient to truth. For with humble obedience, you will never be disturbed. ~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again. ~Proverbs 24:16
My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure. ~Abraham Lincoln
Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. ~Winston Churchill
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas Edison
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. ~Author unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. ~African proverb
Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance. ~Samuel Johnson
It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~Nelson Mandela
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. ~Napoleon Hill
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein
Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. ~Anonymous
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. ~Walter Elliott
Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. ~Anonymous
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. ~Robert F. Kennedy
Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. ~Robert Schuller
He conquers who endures. ~Persius
Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie
Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius. ~Georges-Louis Leclerc
I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards. ~Abraham Lincoln
There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream. ~Anonymous
I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday. ~Anonymous
When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~Josh Billings
Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce. ~Vivian Komori
Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down. ~Charles F. Kettering
Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle. ~Abraham Lincoln
With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable. ~Thomas Foxwell Buxton
Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use. ~Earl Nightingale
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. ~Vincent van Gogh
A quitter never wins – and – a winner never quits. ~Napoleon Hill
You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it. ~Margaret Thatcher
It matters if you just don’t give up. ~Stephen Hawking
This is the highest wisdom that I own; freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~Thomas Jefferson
What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it. ~Alexander Graham Bell
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~Winston Churchill
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. ~Albert Einstein
Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal. ~Elbert Hubbard
Life is like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off unless you plan to stop peddling. ~Claude Pepper
Champions know there are no shortcuts to the top. They climb the mountain one step at a time. ~Judi Adler
People do not lack strength; they lack will. ~Victor Hugo
Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional. ~Roger Crawford
Focus on the solution, not the problem. ~Walter Anderson
It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop. ~Confucius
Victory belongs to the most persevering. ~Napoleon Bonaparte
Determination is the wake-up call to the human will. ~Tony Robbins
A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence. ~Jim Watkins
It’s always too soon to quit. ~Norman Vincent Peale
Don’t get upset with your imperfections. Surrender to the Power of God’s Love, which is greater than our weakness. ~St. Francis De Sales
Life can be a challenging journey, filled with obstacles, setbacks, and moments when it feels like giving up is the only option. However, history is replete with stories of individuals who, through sheer persistence and unwavering determination, achieved remarkable success. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of quotes and proverbs on persistence and perseverance from some of the most successful and celebrated minds in human history. These words of wisdom serve as beacons of encouragement, reminding us that no matter how tough the road may seem, persistence can lead us to triumph.
Unlocking Success: The Last Key
“Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote sets the tone for our exploration of persistence. It likens life’s challenges to locked doors, suggesting that success may be closer than we think. When faced with difficulties, it’s crucial to remember that perseverance can be the key to unlocking our goals and aspirations.
Saints and Sinners: The Power of Continuation
“Saints are sinners who kept on going.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
The great author Robert Louis Stevenson succinctly captures the essence of persistence in this quote. He reminds us that even those who ultimately achieve greatness may have faced their own share of trials and tribulations. Persistence can transform our flaws and shortcomings into stepping stones toward a brighter future.
The Humility of Obedience
“Don’t give in to discouragement. If you are discouraged, it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about people’s opinions. Be obedient to truth. For with humble obedience, you will never be disturbed.”
— Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Blessed Mother Teresa’s wisdom goes beyond religious contexts. She emphasizes that discouragement often stems from pride and reliance on our own abilities. True persistence comes from humble obedience to the truth, regardless of external opinions. It is a reminder that unwavering commitment to one’s principles can sustain us through challenges.
The Righteous Path: Rising After the Fall
“For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again.”
— Proverbs 24:16
This proverb from the Bible illustrates the resilience of the righteous. It acknowledges that everyone faces setbacks, but true persistence lies in the ability to rise after each fall. Each failure becomes an opportunity for growth and a step closer to success.
Content with Failure: A Question of Attitude
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, known for his steadfastness during challenging times, highlights a critical distinction in this quote. Failure itself is not the issue; it’s the acceptance of failure as a final outcome that can hinder progress. True persistence entails learning from failure and striving for improvement.
Enthusiasm in the Face of Failure
“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
— Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill’s words remind us that the path to success is often paved with failures. What sets persistent individuals apart is their ability to maintain enthusiasm and optimism even in the face of repeated setbacks. A positive attitude can fuel determination and resilience.
Unseen Success: Close to Triumph
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
— Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, speaks from his own experience. His countless attempts before achieving success demonstrate that persistence can bring us closer to our goals than we might realize. Giving up prematurely robs us of the potential to witness our own triumph.
Running the Race of Life
“The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.”
— Author unknown, referencing Ecclesiastes 9:11
This quote draws inspiration from the Bible’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes. It underscores the idea that success is not solely determined by innate talent or speed. Instead, it often favors those who persevere and continue to strive toward their objectives, regardless of initial disadvantages.
Navigating Rough Waters
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
— African proverb
This African proverb offers a vivid analogy: just as calm seas do not foster skillful sailors, a life devoid of challenges does not nurture resilient individuals. It is in the face of adversity that we develop the skills and tenacity required to navigate the stormy waters of life.
Greatness through Perseverance
“Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.”
— Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson’s quote reminds us that lasting achievements are not solely a product of physical strength or natural talent. Instead, it is the consistent and unwavering commitment to a goal, even in the face of difficulties, that allows greatness to emerge.
Overcoming the Impossible
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s life story is a testament to the power of persistence. This quote encapsulates his unwavering belief in the attainability of the seemingly impossible. It serves as a reminder that challenges are not insurmountable obstacles but opportunities waiting to be conquered.
The Triumvirate of Success
“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”
— Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill succinctly captures the essence of success in this quote. Patience allows us to endure, persistence keeps us moving forward, and perspiration represents the hard work and effort required to achieve our goals. Together, they form an invincible trio.
Staying Power in Problem-Solving
“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
— Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, attributes his success not to superior intelligence but to his tenacity in problem-solving. This quote encourages us to cultivate persistence in our pursuits, as it can compensate for any perceived lack of brilliance.
Conquering Mountains, One Pebble at a Time
“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path, and you will find you have crossed the mountain.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote presents a powerful visual metaphor. Instead of being intimidated by grand challenges, it encourages us to focus on overcoming the small obstacles that lie in our path. By doing so, we can ultimately conquer even the most formidable mountains in our lives.
The Short Races of Perseverance
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.”
— Walter Elliott
Walter Elliott’s quote paints perseverance as a series of shorter races rather than one prolonged struggle. It reminds us that persistence is not about a single monumental effort but a consistent and determined pursuit of our objectives over time.
Rising in the Face of Failure
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words challenge the notion that avoiding failure is the ultimate goal. Instead, he emphasizes that true glory lies in our ability to rise and continue our journey, even after experiencing setbacks.
Unyielding Resilience: The Japanese Proverb
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
— Japanese Proverb
This Japanese proverb encapsulates the essence of resilience and determination. No matter how many times we fall, the key to success is our unwavering resolve to stand up once more. It reinforces the idea that setbacks are not permanent if we refuse to give in.
The Road Less Parked
“The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote humorously illustrates the allure of giving in to comfort and complacency on the journey to success. It reminds us that the path to our goals is often lined with distractions and opportunities to rest, but persistence requires us to keep moving forward.
Embracing Great Achievements
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
— Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy’s quote highlights the symbiotic relationship between great achievements and the willingness to take risks and persevere through failure. True success often requires daring endeavors and the courage to withstand adversity.
Problems as Guidelines, Not Barriers
“Problems are not stop signs; they are guidelines.”
— Robert Schuller
Reverend Robert Schuller’s perspective on problems is refreshing. He reframes them as guiding markers rather than insurmountable barriers. In doing so, he encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Endurance as a Path to Victory
“He conquers who endures.”
— Persius
This succinct quote by Persius underscores the idea that victory ultimately belongs to those who endure through hardships and adversities. It emphasizes the power of resilience and steadfastness on the path to success.
The Strength of Small Jobs
“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one, it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.”
— Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s quote highlights the importance of excellence in even the smallest tasks. These small victories serve as building blocks for greater achievements, instilling confidence and strength for more significant challenges.
Patience as Genius
“Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.”
— Georges-Louis Leclerc
Georges-Louis Leclerc’s quote draws a parallel between patience and genius. It reminds us that waiting for our goals to materialize is not synonymous with failure. Patience is a virtue that can lead to extraordinary outcomes in due time.
The Forward March of Progress
“I am a slow walker, but I never walk backward.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s quote reflects his unwavering commitment to progress. It acknowledges that the pace of one’s journey may be slow, but what matters most is the forward direction. Persistence ensures that we continue moving toward our goals.
The Miles of Dreams
“There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote paints a vivid picture of the pursuit of dreams as a journey with an indeterminate distance. It encourages us to embrace the uncertainty and unpredictability of the path, knowing that every mile brings us closer to our aspirations.
Progress, One Step at a Time
“I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.”
— Anonymous
This anonymous quote offers a comforting perspective on progress. It reminds us that even when our goals seem distant, each day of effort brings us closer to achieving them. It emphasizes the importance of persistence as a gradual journey.
Hanging On to Hope
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It encourages us to cling to hope and determination when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Even when we reach the end of our rope, there is strength in holding on.
The Perseverance of Postage
“Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.”
— Josh Billings
Josh Billings draws a clever analogy between the postage stamp and persistence. Like a stamp that adheres to its destination until it arrives, individuals who persevere stay committed to their goals until they achieve them.
The Art of Bouncing Back
“Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce.”
— Vivian Komori
Vivian Komori’s quote offers a refreshing perspective on life’s challenges. It suggests that resilience—our ability to bounce back from setbacks—is a more crucial measure of success than speed or height. It reminds us that persistence leads to resilience.
Keep Moving to Find Success
“Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.”
— Charles F. Kettering
Charles F. Kettering’s quote encourages proactive persistence. It emphasizes that progress and opportunities often arise when we keep moving forward, actively pursuing our goals. Staying in motion increases our chances of discovering unexpected breakthroughs.
The Value of Hustle
“Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s quote underscores the importance of action and effort in achieving one’s goals. While patience is valuable, it is the tenacity and hustle of those who actively pursue their dreams that leave a lasting impact.
The Attainability of All Things
“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.”
— Thomas Foxwell Buxton
Thomas Foxwell Buxton’s quote highlights the incredible potential of perseverance. It suggests that even individuals with ordinary abilities can achieve remarkable feats through unwavering commitment and determination.
Seizing the Passing Time
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”
— Earl Nightingale
Earl Nightingale’s perspective on time and persistence challenges the common excuse of not pursuing a goal due to the perceived duration of the journey. He reminds us that time will continue to pass regardless of our actions, so why not invest it in the pursuit of our dreams?
The Sum of Small Efforts
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
— Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh’s quote emphasizes the cumulative nature of achievement. It suggests that significant accomplishments often result from the consistent effort and contribution of many smaller actions and steps.
The Unwavering Winner
“A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits.”
— Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s quote serves as a powerful mantra for those pursuing their goals. It reminds us that giving up guarantees failure, while persistence ensures that we remain in the race, increasing our chances of eventual victory.
In conclusion, the quotes and proverbs on persistence and perseverance featured in this article offer a diverse and profound perspective on the importance of tenacity in our lives. They remind us that success is not merely a product of talent or luck but a result of unwavering commitment, resilience in the face of adversity, and a refusal to surrender in the pursuit of our dreams. Whether facing small challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, these words of wisdom illuminate the path to success. They serve as a constant reminder that setbacks and failures are not roadblocks but stepping stones toward our goals.