Persistence: A Word with Diverse Definitions
Persistence is a rich word with its existence dating back to Mid-14th Century. The word still has different definitions depending on the context. The word was common with the French, Latins and English folklores who all defined it in different ways. The English folklore used it to describe to equate it with thanatology, which provoked miscarriage especially due to its tenacious nature. Most of the other usages shared similarities despite originating from different backgrounds.
Choice of Word
Persistence is an affluent word that is associated with the reason behind achievements and success in one way or another. It makes it the right choice of the word especially of its diverse meanings, which all converge at some point to achieve a specific meaning. Just as success requires various inputs so does the word persistence, which has to be described best through many definitions. My understanding of persistence is all about being consistent and observing continuity through overcoming obstacles. The consistency and continuity have to be positive for it to have a persistence effect otherwise it would mean something different. Persistence involves overcoming obstacles such as distractions and discouragement in order to achieve a certain goal.
Origin of the Word
Persistence is a noun, which has an opulent origin that revolves around the French and the Latin. In the 1540s, the French came up with the word "persister" which at that time meant lasting, permanent or enduring. This later developed to the word "persistance" which still carried the same definition by the French. The Latins developed the word "persistentem" where the word "persistent" was coined. To the Latin, the word meant continuing steadfastly. Finally, in the 16th Century, "persistance" and "persistent" were intertwined to form one word, persistence ("Persistence | Search Online Etymology Dictionary, Par 1").
Parts of the Word
Persistence is a word that is made of parts, which all have a symbolic essence to the overall meaning of the whole word. The first part is “Per” which is of Latin origin meaning “to continue for a long time”. Expounded further it is meant to symbolize a long period of existence. Other words such as permanent and perennial prove that the first part is synonymous to lasting for longer periods. The next part “sta” is a Latin word, which in this case stands for stability. Persistence can be achieved by standing steady and strong when obstacles arise. The third part that stands out is “en” which of Greek origin meaning “to make larger and occupy” ("Word Roots: The Web’s Largest Word Root and Prefix Directory Par 100"). This is meant to explain how through persistence one is able to cover more ground when trying to achieve a goal. Therefore for persistence to be achieved all these factors must count for the goal to be achieved.
Interviewees Definitions
Persistence as a word has over thirty synonyms, which amplify its definition in one way or another. Its users perceive the word in many different ways. In order to understand the practical meaning of it, random interviews were conducted to get different viewpoints. The interviewees involved seven male and female individuals of varying ages and backgrounds. The findings were interesting and some of them shared similarities that could be harmonized into one meaning. The following generalized meanings expound on how the interviewees perceived the word persistence.
Overcoming obstacles.
One group described persistence as an act of overcoming obstacles that arise when pursuing a goal. Obstacles were categorized into mainly external, habitual and internal obstacles. In order to overcome the challenges, they pointed out that this can be achieved by combining different aspects. Embracing self-awareness helps to resolve habitual obstacles by making the necessary changes to the habits that will help you overcome the obstacles. Being focused and disciplined were outlined as other special elements of persistence. Creativity and good time management were also emphasized to be key aspects of persistence that help in overpowering obstacles.
Never-say-die attitude
This was the most common description of persistence. Phrases such as “soldier on”, “never give up”, “persisting and insisting”, “keep going” and “staying put” were all used to describe to describe persistence. This group viewed persistence as an act that is fueled by determination, tirelessness, and stamina, which pushes someone towards the main goal. The best example given by one interviewee was about job applications: She said that persistence was key when applying for jobs, which are characterized by failed interviews and harsh job contracts.
Systematic approach
This was the most unique response that described persistence as being systematic and sticking to one methodology. This description views persistence as an act that should be guided by honesty and being true to oneself. Discipline helps in avoiding distractions and sideshows that could hinder you from achieving the main goal.
Principled and focused
Persistence at this point was perceived as being focused and remaining stable despite various temptations. When trying to achieve a goal there is always the temptation to use unscrupulous ways which most of the time fail. Principles and morals play a major role as they determine the personal decision that one makes. The group believed persistence is driven by principles and focus.
Goal-oriented
This group of interviewees insisted that with no clear goal, persistence is futile. The two go hand-in-hand since the steps being taken can be tied to the ultimate goal. With a clear goal on sight, then persistence flourishes since an individual aligns his baby-steps to the main goal. The goal, in this case, could be a set target or the desired outcome.
Constant
Persistence was described as being constant and continuous in nature. Being constant means not varying even when the surrounding conditions or factors change. This response by only one interviewee encompasses all the other values of persistence, which ensures existence. By remaining neutral at whatever circumstances helps an individual to practice continuous existence, which is key to persistence.
Strategic
This view insisted that persistence is about being strategic and resolute in order to achieve anything. The strategy involves making key decisions, which determine the next step to be taken. A good example given by the interviewee was about strategies used by football teams and coaches. Leicester City F.C was persistent in their quest to win the English Premier League in 2006. They approached each game with a unique strategy and were able to win the title against all odds.
Tenacious
The final and most interesting categorization was describing persistence as being tenacious. Some of the words and phrases used by this group include “stubbornness”, bullheaded, and “can’t be defeated”. This description related to instances where individuals are threatened or handled unfairly. The group, however, admitted that this level of persistence could bear either good or bad results. It is considered a frustrated approach where the individual is ready to lose it all.
Conclusion
Persistence and Success
The richest men and women in the world mention persistence as one of the reasons for their successes and achievements. Most of the successful businesspersons had very difficult starts in their ventures in one way or other. The stages of a business cycle include development, startup, growth, survival, expansion, and maturity. Some of the challenges in this stage include lack of capital, market competition, government red tape, bankruptcy, and cash flow.
Prominent businesspersons have blatantly stated that persistence beats the art of perfection. Persistence is described as a success habit that costs nothing except one’s commitment to it. The Late Steve Jobs rose from the ashes of failure to become one of the iconic figures of Apple Inc. Persistence was what turned him from a mediocre individual to an extraordinary individual who took the world by storm. In 2007, he launched the iPhone in a presentation that was marred by Wi-Fi problems, software glitches and dropped calls among others (Kanaat, Par 33). The Late Steve Jobs did not give up, he marshaled his team and they overcame all the hitches. The fruits of his persistence are enjoyed as Apple products revolutionized the technology industry in many ways.
The above example among others manifests that persistent is the lifeblood of success for every businessperson. Persistence is the reason behind overcoming glitches through being creative and strategic. The goals and targets set by businesspersons can be achieved through persistence, which helps in reviewing the goals every now and then. Persistence is the inner drive helps a businessperson harmonize all the success factors that are needed to achieve the ultimate goal.
Works Cited
Kanaat, Robert. "7 Core Habits That Made Steve Jobs Iconic | Wanderlust Worker”.
Wanderlustworker.Com, 2018, https://www.wanderlustworker.com/7-core-habits-that-made-steve-jobs-iconic/. Accessed 28 Nov 2018.
"Persistence | Search Online Etymology Dictionary". Etymonline.Com, 2018, https://www.etymonline.com/search?page=1"q=persistence. Accessed 28 Nov 2018.
"Word Roots: The Web’s Largest Word Root and Prefix Directory". Learnthat.Org, 2018, https://www.learnthat.org/pages/view/roots.html#p. Accessed 28 Nov 2018.
