Patience and Persistence

If you read many books or quotes or listen to inspirational stories, you hear about the concept that the hardest part in any project is to "take the first step."  And though I agree that nothing happens until you start a project, I don't think that's always the hardest part.

The reason I say this is because sometimes getting started is fueled with enthusiasm, excitement and even naivity.  You are pumped up about the new idea or goal and you WANT to get things moving in the right direction.


I think sometimes the hardest part of the project is when  you have launched into it with your heart and soul...and results don't happen right away.  (Seth Godin writes a great short book about this called the Dip.  You should read it).

The challenge with this rut (or Dip) is to push into it.  To continue to work through the important activity until the results begin to match with the effort.

Here's the thing:  It will almost always take longer than you think.  But if it's really worth it, you will be glad you show the patience and persistence to see it through.