In business, and in life, you’ll hear the word “no,” a lot. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but by being persistent you just might turn some of the “noes” into “yeses.”

Perseverance when it comes to achieving your goals is essential. Whether you want to go back to school, learn a new skill, start your own business, or pick up a new hobby you need to identify your goal and you need to have persistence in order to reach it.

Obstacles will always arise and they’re often out of our control, this has been the case throughout all of humanity. Take Odysseus, for example, for ten long years Odysseus persevered in his quest and desire to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. His queen, Penelope, and his dog, Argos, persevere in their wait for the return of Odysseus. Finally, thanks to their perseverance they are reunited after twenty years.

The point is that we must have perseverance in the face of obstacles if we are to succeed. Odysseus showed us this and there have been a million other tales of heroes’ journeys since the dawn of the written word that has also shown us this.

The next time you’re feeling defeated, read these quotes for inspiration and remember that you’re never truly beaten until you decide to give up.

 

Quotes About Perseverance and the Value of Continuing Even When Things Are Difficult

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

– Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Lucius Annaeus Seneca on Perseverance Quotes

Lucius Annaeus Seneca’s quote encapsulates the profound truth that merely existing can require immense bravery. It acknowledges the inherent challenges and struggles individuals face in navigating life’s uncertainties and adversities. This quote prompts reflection on the resilience and fortitude required to persevere through difficult times, highlighting the courage inherent in the very act of living.

Jim Rohn

“Some people plant in the spring and leave in the summer. If you’ve signed up for a season, see it through. You don’t have to stay forever, but at least stay until you see it through.”

– Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn on Perseverance Quotes

Jim Rohn’s quote emphasizes the importance of commitment and perseverance in personal and professional endeavors. It likens life’s pursuits to planting and tending to crops throughout the seasons. Rohn encourages individuals to honor their commitments and see them through to completion, even if they eventually choose to move on. This quote prompts reflection on the value of dedication, resilience, and follow-through in achieving success and personal growth.

Jim Hightower

“The only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos.”

– Jim Hightower

Jim Hightower on Perseverance Quotes

Jim Hightower’s quote humorously underscores the idea that indecisiveness or attempting to remain neutral often leads to stagnation or negative outcomes. It suggests that taking a firm stance or making decisive choices is preferable to being stuck in the middle, akin to the fate of armadillos caught on the road. This quote prompts reflection on the importance of taking action and making clear decisions rather than remaining passive or indecisive.

Friedrich Nietzsche

“What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche on Perseverance Quotes

Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote encapsulates the idea that adversities and challenges, rather than weakening us, have the potential to strengthen and fortify our resilience. It suggests that overcoming obstacles and enduring hardships can lead to personal growth and empowerment. This quote prompts reflection on the transformative power of resilience and the ability to derive strength from adversity.

Paul the Apostle

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

– Paul the Apostle, Letter to the Romans, 5:3-4

Paul the Apostle’s quote from his letter to the Romans reflects on the transformative nature of suffering and adversity. It suggests that enduring hardships can lead to the development of perseverance, character, and ultimately, hope. This quote highlights the redemptive aspect of suffering and emphasizes the potential for personal growth and spiritual resilience that arises from facing and overcoming challenges. It prompts reflection on the significance of finding meaning and purpose in times of difficulty.

Confucius

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

– Confucius

Confucius on Perseverance Quotes

Confucius’ quote encapsulates the importance of perseverance and continuous effort in achieving goals. It emphasizes that progress, no matter how gradual, is significant as long as one remains persistent and does not give up. This quote prompts reflection on the value of determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles and realizing aspirations, highlighting the idea that consistency ultimately leads to success.

John Quincy Adams

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”

– John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams on Perseverance Quotes

John Quincy Adams’ quote emphasizes the transformative power of courage and perseverance in overcoming challenges. It suggests that these qualities possess a kind of enchanting force that enables individuals to surmount difficulties and dissolve obstacles. This quote prompts reflection on the inherent strength found within determination and resilience, highlighting their ability to transcend barriers and pave the way for success.

Babe Ruth

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”

– Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth on Perseverance Quotes

Babe Ruth’s quote embodies the spirit of optimism and resilience in the face of setbacks. It suggests that failure is not a deterrent but rather a stepping stone toward eventual success. Ruth’s perspective reflects a mindset of perseverance, viewing each setback as a necessary precursor to eventual achievement. This quote inspires reflection on the importance of resilience and determination in the pursuit of one’s goals, emphasizing the idea that setbacks are opportunities for growth and progress.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Perseverance Quotes on Perseverance Quotes

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote embodies the spirit of resilience and perseverance in times of adversity. It suggests that when faced with challenges and reaching the limits of one’s resources or endurance, it’s essential to find a way to hold on and endure. This quote inspires reflection on the importance of resilience, determination, and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and navigating difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the idea that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way to persevere and find strength to endure.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“To reach a port we must set sail –

Sail, not tie at anchor

Sail, not drift.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt on Perseverance Quotes

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote is a metaphorical call to action, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and pursuing goals actively rather than remaining stagnant or passive. It underscores the idea that progress and achievement require proactive effort and a willingness to venture into the unknown. This quote prompts reflection on the necessity of embracing change, taking risks, and charting a course toward one’s aspirations, rather than remaining immobilized by fear or indecision. It encourages individuals to set sail towards their desired destinations with determination and purpose.

Unknown

“Hard times make strong men, strong men make good times, good times make weak men, weak men make hard times.”

– Unknown

Unknown on Perseverance Quotes

This quote succinctly captures the cyclical nature of human history and society’s resilience in the face of adversity. It suggests that challenges and hardships breed strength and resilience, which in turn pave the way for prosperity and abundance. However, during periods of ease and comfort, complacency may set in, leading to a decline in strength and resilience. Consequently, this decline can precipitate new challenges and difficulties. This quote prompts reflection on the dynamic interplay between adversity and prosperity in shaping individuals and societies throughout history.

Odysseus

“Nevertheless I long—I pine, all my days—

to travel home and see the dawn of my return.

And if a god will wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea,

I can bear that too, with a spirit tempered to endure.

Much have I suffered, labored long and hard by now

in the waves and wars. Add this to the total—

bring the trial on!”

Odysseus, Book V

Odysseus on Perseverance Quotes

In this quote from Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Odysseus expresses his enduring longing to return home despite the challenges he has faced during his journey. He acknowledges the hardships he has endured and the trials that may still await him, yet he remains steadfast in his resolve to persevere. This quote embodies Odysseus’ resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to reach his homeland, regardless of the difficulties he may encounter along the way.