Persistence.
I’ve often been curious to hear the responses given by individuals of substantial success when asked about their methods or secrets. The clandestine alchemy of the wealthy, the winners, the business elite. Over the years, I’ve heard some remarkably inventive responses, and some quite simple doctrines as well. I once at a conference listened to a rather engaging older gentleman profess that his secret was writing goals on a small piece of plywood, and then sleeping with it under his pillow. Honestly I thought to try it, once, no more than twice, but the idea of an inordinate amount of splinters ravaging my cheeks kept me from running to Home Depot for sharpies and 2×4’s.
The success of CarbonCopyPRO has now placed me in this interesting and honorable congregation of advice givers. I’ve welcomed the responsibility. The act of bestowing advice has always seemed to be a considerably humbling experience, but also a small, indirect way of giving. It’s important to remember we know not the time or the hour when a quiet word of encouragement, a discreet act of kindness, or simple interest in the plight of another can be the catalyst for great change. We allow ourselves to be conditioned into thinking change comes as the result of adverse circumstance, in raucous packaging; accompanied by fireworks, tragedy, severe adversity and the like.
I rather believe that every passing moment, whether silent or filled with unrest, marked with modest bliss or an aching uncertainty, are all opportunities for breathtaking growth. The moments when you not just hear, but truly listen to yourself.
I sat in my office late last night going over some of PRO’s latest logistics and stats from the previous week. A section I rather enjoy reviewing documents the countries we have members and site traffic. I sat alone, accompanied by (what I felt to be) a well-deserved after-work beer, hit refresh and the number appeared. We now have active members in 158 countries. 158! The irony of this revelation wasn’t that our business had reached such an expansive global presence, or really the number itself, rather the shock came as a fact that it this international growth had not occurred as the result of a concerted effort. We had run no international special campaigns or promotions. Yes our translation capabilities are crucial for global business, but that was part CarbonCopyPRO’s initial launch. I tried to put my finger on whether we had done something different recently, maybe a detail I was missing that would explain the situation. After some time, it quietly dawned on me; there was no detail, no business elixir that we had used. It was simply the act of true Persistence.
Persistence is often spoken of, but usually has a short shelf life. People invigorate themselves initially. The idea of staying the course begins with passion and fortitude, but then we struggle to maintain the enthusiasm. We encounter discouragement, but don’t use it as fuel for the next accomplishment. The successful entrepreneur not only learns, but profits from their mistakes.
What we all must realize is that we cannot go back and start again, but we can start now and create a new ending for ourselves. We are now in 158 countries because no matter the hurdle, no matter the strife, we kept moving forward.
I set an incredibly lofty goal for myself, and then did more than ask of myself to persevere, I demanded it of myself. I knew if I could strive to do simple things perfectly, I would build the skills to do difficult things easily.
There is nothing intrinsically magical or mystical about myself, or any other successful entrepreneur. Successful entrepreneurs take their ordinary talents, and apply extraordinary perseverance. All things are attainable when your commitment begins within, when you refuse beyond all others not to let yourself down.
The bottom line is this: Years from now, whether it be 5, 15, or 40 years, you will most certainly be more disappointed with the things you did not do, rather than the things you did. Be brazen with your desires and the ideals you hold dear for yourself. Know that there is nothing you cannot accomplish if you refuse to waiver in your pursuits.
I’ll leave you with a short proverb I enjoy and call on when my own discouragement begins to surface:
“Fall down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight.”
All my best,
Jay Kubassek
Posted: July 27, 2009
Filed under: Jays' Letters
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31 Responses to “Persistence.”Tell us what you're thinking...
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Jay: very timely. Just as a few team members were feeling overwhelmed by all there is to learn and do … Persistence.
I revel in the fact that Colonel Sanders and J. C. Penney didn’t begin their companies until after they retired. That being the case, I have a little jump on them since I’m not retired.
To the TOP!!!!!!!!!
Timing is always great.
This inspiring letter come to me at the right time.
Shame on me that I dropped my payments to CarbonCopyPro in order to attend the Stomper Net Formula 5 course.
The end sentence went directly to my heart…because the crisis of the financial market brought down my profits in my primary business…but for sure I will stand up again.
I really do not know if you get to read this comment…but thanks anyways…and please be well…and congratulations with your continued success.
Hi Jay!
I couldn’t agree more and we always get more motivated when listening to those ahead of us. As any child never giving up and learning faster when copying older siblings…so we should all keep at it and never think we are alone…:)
Have a nice evening!
Malin
Very timely and cogent comment on reality. I’m brand new in CCPro. I am twenty years older than you, Jay. I appreciate what you’ve done and have taken a big challenge upon my self to join your community with a 100% commitment to succeed.
Thing is, I’ve let myself down in the past, and it’s bitter to know that. You look ahead and know that the road will inevitably come to an end, remorselessly, ruthlessly. Time waits for none of us.
OK, Jay, I’m telling you that I am taking up your challenge and I will meet you one day face to face with a smile of victory knowing that I am a 3%er, that I have been true to myself.
Persistence, indeed.
I’ve recently been working on my writing, and how I articulate my thoughts and feelings a lot recently. Thank you for noticing. Best of luck Ram.
I do the best I can (time permitting of course
to read every comment. A response like yours makes all the difference in my day. Thank YOU for taking the time.
My best,
Jay-
Jay:
I love it! Your comment meant the world to me today. Thanks for thinking of all of us. You are truly a thinker and a doer. I love the proverb.
Best to you,
Kev
Your letter is a real inspiration to me as a new member of this wonderful business opportunity. One that I will pass on to many who pass my way. If I was not convinced that I joined the right business, now I am. Thanks Jay.
I will persist!
Jay,
Thanks….I needed to hear this at this time in my CC pro career
Gerald
Thanks Jay, I appreciate you.
Bill
Thanks for a good pick me up for today jerald magee
Great letter Jay! Very inspirational and the fact that CCPRO is in 158 countries is awesome to say the least but don’t be surprised you guys made it happen, the Einsteins of the internet! Thanks for creating CCPRO and for the great letter!
Have a Great Day,
Albert Goodman
El Paso, TX
i liked what you had to say. persistance is a very important part of success but is only a part of success. we should be persistant in all things in life that are worth doing. i pray you are a success in all areas of your life.
Very, very, inspirational – I plan on printing it and passing it around.
Congratulations on your success, it is definitely inspiring.
Your proverb is one we all need to hang on our walls.
Thank you for your inspiration!!
Susan Mathews
Merrillville, IN
Greatly stirring letter.In merely one page, you summarize, raised and answer the the difficulty that persist against human efforts at becoming successful. More so; the last proverb “falling seven times, getting up eight” idealized it all.
Jay:
Thanks for the pick me up letter. I know most of what you say but……..sometimes we all need to have our memories jogged to recall and practice what we know but have forgotton to put into practice. The proverb is a great reminder! Thanks.
Jay
Thank you for continuing to vision the beginning of my new ending.
Bernadene
Jay
I just singed and the inks not dry, only yesterday I was working through the set up stage.
Your article arrives today and it makes me even more convinced I have joined a team of true winners.
Inspirational, well written, eloquent and right on the money.
Thank you.
An old gentleman friend said to me ” Be specialized … shut up and persevere(I was about to give up then!)persistence do make miracles happen.
Like building a Pyramid. Easy to plan, but lifting those heavy blocks one at a time. The pyramid built from Persistance.
I was thinking of calling it a day but your letter has given me more hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Jay,
You are a true leader and a winner. I could not be in a better business partnership. I wanted to go back to bed because I’m so tired from yesterday’s call with Mike Koenigs. (It was well past 4am here in Berlin, Germany). Then I read this article… Now I can’t even think of going back to sleep. What have you done? But I like what you’ve done,
Cheers my friend, I appreciate you.
Sampson
Hi Jay,
Thanks so very much for your inspirational message.
Kind regards,
Charity.
Jay:
Thanks for your wise words. I know that whenever I kept the vision of what I was creating in mind, I could persevere through anything. It’s the commitment to achieving the vision/goal that motivates me to hang in there during challenging times.
Blessings,
Andrea
Jay,
My email to support@myccmarketing.com on Monday July 27,2009, had as subject title: “I AM DISCOURAGED”. I sent it because since joiing CCPRO.com in March 2007, I had close to 400 leads who visited my website. But I have not had more than 1or 2 application kits sold, not to talk of any one purchasing BiB. I had put in so much out of nothing, yet nothing to show after 3 months-on ROI-return of investment. So I just ’surrendered’ to fate: that if i cannot generate sales to at least pay my monthly account-hosting fee, so be it.
I’m reading your message today Thursday July 30. I have something to garner from it. There’s a way forward:perseverance
Jay— Sometimes I get discourged and want to throw in the towel. Your encoureging words give me the fortitude to forge on and make this business happen for me. I have never been a guiter and will see this to the end if my finances don’t run out first. Not being as PC savey as most puts me at a slite disadvantage. Your positve attitude gives me the strength to march forward and I thank you for that. Please keep those words coming so I can keep your attitude. I think It’s all about attitude and persistance anyway. Thanks—Kevin-
Jay— Sometimes I get discourged and want to throw in the towel. Your encouraging words give me the fortitude to forge on and make this business happen for me. I have never been a guiter and will see this to the end if my finances don’t run out first. Not being as PC savey as most puts me at a slite disadvantage. Your positve attitude gives me the strength to march forward and I thank you for that. Please keep those words coming so I can keep your attitude. I think It’s all about attitude and persistence anyway. Thanks—Kevin-
Jay- thank you so much, not only for the opportunity, but for putting it out there that even though we struggle, persistence is the rule, inspiration the fuel! We all have our obstacles in life, but the support of the community within this company is like no other, and an inspiration in and of itself. Once again, thank you for reminding me that our challenges in life are only opportunities to grow in disguise.
Jay – THANKS MUCH for this wonderful letter, you articulate your thoughts as a river of poetry flowing through with humility in getting your points conveyed.You are special!!! as your persistence kept you achieving the goal you desired and you became an evidence to us all who joined the CCP/WMI community. Persistence is the virtue when practised carries one to victory. I am grateful to you for your contribution to the community – you touch others in many different way to inspire. All I can say is “Keep on Keeping on” – that is what we are doing.
The golden tongue once again. Well done.
Some drink from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
Keep em coming man.
Regards,
Shoop