The Power Of Persistence!!!  Click to advance slide

Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn't quit, look no further.

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.

He could have quit many times - but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of the country. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up.

1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them His mother died.

1831 Failed in business.

1832 Ran for state legislature - lost. l832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.

1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

1834 Ran for state legislature again - won.

1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated Sought to become elector - defeated Ran for Congress – lost.

1846 Ran for Congress again -this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job.

1848 Ran for re-election to Congress - lost Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.

1854 Ran for Senate of the United States - lost Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - get less than 100 votes Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost.

1860 Elected president of the United States. The part was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself, "It’s a slip and not a fall".

Lincoln experienced many failures, but he was never a failure because he never gave up. You can't fail unless you give up - to ensure success you just never give up. "Winners never quit, and quitters never win!"

Just sit and think for a moment the image that comes to your mind of someone who "Quits." What does that look like to you? How many times have you quit on something or someone in your life? Was it advantageous for you to give up on something? Was it advantageous to the other person?

Never, never, never, ever give up until you fulfill your dream, goal, or vision. Persistence is key and necessary for you to fulfill your visions of greatness. Why? There are many obstacles and mindless people who will always try and stop you from becoming great because they can't see themselves becoming great.

"People who cannot see it for you, cannot see it for themselves either." Don't let them derail you from your own success. Press on anyhow and live your life on your terms. So, as you travel on your journey of success and excellence, know that quitting is not an option. No matter how tough it may seem or in times of storm, if it is truly worth it to you, press on anyhow.

This is a valuable lesson for anyone who is thinking of packing it in when they are not seeing immediate result. Some things take a while to achieve while others may take even longer. If you know you are on the right track don't throw in the towel. Patience and determination will get you there in the end. Keep going for the star!

When he was poor, he never quit. When he was young, he never quit. When he lost his family members, he never quit. When he was rejected, he never quit. When he failed, he never quit. When he failed again, he never quit. When he grow old, he never quit. If Lincoln’s life was met with many obstacles and pains, he never quit. What is the reason for you to quit???