I was recently talking to my son about his up and coming basketball game, trying to encourage him not to give up. He has a dream to play in the NBA but currently at the great age of 13 is facing difficulties with some of his team players. I encouraged him by saying ‘If you are the last man standing’ at the end of the day you can achieve your dreams. There are always people who have dreams but for whatever reason – bad choices, bad health or the inability to follow through, the dream falls by the way side.
I recently read an old book that I found on my bookshelf called ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’. One of the stories that was highlighted was about Abraham Lincoln, probably the greatest example of persistence. If you want to learn more about somebody who didn’t quit, look no further.
Born into poverty, Abraham was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, failed in business twice 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 world.
Often people ask me why I am succeeding in what I’m doing. You know, I’m not the most gifted person, or the best leader; but it’s in my refusal to give up – which puts me where I am today.
If you have a dream, don’t give up, make sure that you follow it to completion, be the last person standing.