For me to be persistent during my day simplification is important! If I have to many choices before me I can get rather negative in my outlook. Should I go to school for art or programming, or psychology, teaching maybe? Is it better to be healthy eating salads or something tastes good in a certain way that I have a craving for like cheese sticks and chicken wings. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. The most important thing about persistence for me is to make things simple, to set myself up for success! I do this by focusing on the health and happiness in all my activities moment by moment, whether it be eating chicken wings or pursuing art studies. If I feel my mood and my motivation becomes negative I have witnessed my persistence in a given activity slow down and eventually stop or even turn in on itself, becoming destructive rather than creative. So in order for persistence to occur in any activity it is important to have a way of sustaining a positive effort. Asking if I am feeling healthy and happy, then adjusting to maintain that positive state, provides me with the energy I need to complete that goal, whatever it happens to be. This also means I am somewhat flexible in what my goal might be, especially if it is a long term one like a course of study.
Gratitude Practice in Persistence
I believe one of the best ways that we can share our gratitude for life is to go out and live it to the fullest in the many shapes and forms that it might take for us! What does living a full life mean to you, and what will it take to be persistent in that endeavor? Observe the positive spirit arise in yourself no matter what the situation. The positive spirit is a feeling and energy that motivates you to move forward in your life even in simple matters. Once you get proficient in noticing this spirit. Try different ways of bringing it into all activities of your life. See if this new awareness brings you more persistence in different activities that were normally difficult for you to complete before. Maybe this will be, “Is health in my body, is happiness in my mind? If not can I guide my condition to health and happiness?” Focusing on a concept that is positive can often bring me to a more positive state of mind and body. If you are religious, you might try prayer, envisioning God as your guide to this positive spirit.
Thank you, my wonderful friend! May positive life enriching energy always come to you so that you may flourish in Love, Health, and Happiness! Prayers, Blessing, and all that is good be with you now and always! From Aaron :-)