Perseverance: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.

I think this definition should have my face next to it, and I’m sure many others who are fighting their own personal battles.  No one can ever accuse me of not having perseverance.  Ambition and perseverance are at my core.

But, it’s not to say there hasn’t been discouragement!  I mean, even though a failure can be a learning experience – a chance to move forward with greater armament – it’s still discouraging (at least for a little while).

Whatever I have wanted to do in life (or at least “thought” I wanted to do), I have done.  Things don’t always go the way I imagine.  You see, I’m a big dreamer.  I’ll create a whole imaginary world where circumstance always plays into my hand, yielding perfect results.  However, often what happens is nearly the complete opposite of my dream.  The point is, that’s OK!

How do I cope with the disappointment, you ask?  By persevering.  Because the very next step is to alter or create a new dream.  It makes life more interesting!  You see, there’s a lot of things I want to do and see – none of which can be accomplished if I give up.  I always say, “You can’t go left or right if you never back out of the driveway!”

Swimming against the tide is never easy!  But in my dream, everything works out, remember?  So until that glorious day, whether it be when I’m 32 or 62, I WILL keep swimming.

I would encourage you to teach this to your kids – forge this as a core value.

If you do this, I promise you two things: 1) Your child’s persistence will drive you up a wall; and 2) Your child may just achieve an impossible dream.

Until that day comes, keep…

Swimming against the tide!

Capt. Tommy