The Meaning of Perseverance
per·se·ver·ance/ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)rəns/
Noun:
1. Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
2. Continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory.
Every day in every corner of the globe people overcome amazing odds to accomplish things that have never been done before. Despite everything being stacked against them, these people continue to push and push until their dreams are achieved. Setbacks along the way are inevitable, and some times listening to the voice that says “give up” seems like the best option. Luckily for the world though, there are brave souls out there who continue to fight against the odds and refuse to quit in the face of adversity. This is called PERSEVERANCE, and it is an absolute requirement on the path to great achievement and glory.
A perfect case study in perseverance is Anthony Robles. Anthony was born without a leg and raised by a single mother after his birth father and stepfather abandoned them. In 2011, overcoming incredible odds, Anthony won a NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championship. His embodiment of this trait was recognized when he was awarded the highly prestigious Jimmy V Award For Perseverance by ESPN. At the awards ceremony Anthony presented an inspiring poem he had written, which beautifully sums up perseverance. Check out this short video of his amazing journey below.
The poem below is by Anthony Robles. Let it serve as inspiration to all of us.
UNSTOPPABLE
Every soul who comes to earth with a leg or two at birth must wrestle his opponents knowing it’s not what is, it’s what can be that measures worth.
Make it hard, just make it possible and through pain I’ll not complain. My spirit is unconquerable, fearless I will face each foe, for I know I am capable.
I don’t care what’s probable, through blood, sweat, and tears, I am unstoppable.
-Anthony Robles, NCAA Division 1 Champion
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