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The Power of Perseverance and Stumbling Upon Answers

Last week, I released an episode with Madeline Lauf (Listen Here), and we discussed Madeline's incredible entrepreneurial journey, which has included many pivots along the way. While our conversation focused mainly on Madeline's passion for building a formula that serves to build a healthy gut microbiome for children and why it is essential to focus on children's health from the onset, including role-modelling a healthy lifestyle as adults, Madeline's rural upbringing and tenacity were at the forefront in our discussion. Madeline shared that to succeed in the business world, one must believe in themselves and persevere when doubt kicks in. I could relate to Madeline's story, as I am sure most of you can; we often put so much pressure on ourselves to have all the answers, but as we discussed in the episode, and any scientific endeavour, usually the answer is found in our mistakes or where we least expect it.

As I continued to reflect on my journey throughout the week, in my group sessions and meditative practices, I felt a sense of relief. I realized I did not need to carry the burden of knowing it all or figuring it out. However, we must also have a level of belief and perseverance on our journey because we may not immediately see the answer or land upon it. Persistence in the face of adversity typically gets us through. As we discussed in the episode, often, when we embark on our inner calling, we will stumble upon our purpose. When we leave our homes on this adventure, we don't have the map to where we are going; we follow our intuition, which is what we need to return to when we experience moments of tribulation. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to expand on this inner knowing when we choose an adventure.

The Role of Perseverance in Our Journey

While embarking on an adventure is vital, the path is rarely smooth. Challenges, failures, and roadblocks are inevitable, and this is where perseverance becomes crucial. Studies have consistently shown that perseverance, often called grit, is a stronger predictor of success than intelligence or talent.

Angela Duckworth’s research in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance demonstrates how long-term commitment and effort outweigh the natural ability to achieve success. She explains that those who persist through difficulties are the ones who ultimately reach their goals. Similarly, Carol Dweck’s work on the growth mindset suggests that individuals who view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats are more likely to succeed.

Stumbling Upon the Answer

Interestingly, answers often emerge when we least expect them. Many breakthroughs occur not through direct pursuit but through perseverance and openness to discovery.

Serendipity plays a significant role in innovation and personal development. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, Steve Jobs’ realization of design simplicity, and even Einstein’s breakthroughs in physics were all results of persistence combined with an openness to unexpected insights.

In his book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein explores how individuals who explore multiple fields and remain open to diverse experiences are likelier to make unexpected connections and uncover novel solutions. This aligns with the idea that embarking on life’s adventures—trying new things, meeting new people, and pushing our limits—often leads to the answers we seek.

Embracing the Journey

To fully embrace the adventure of life and harness the power of perseverance, consider the following strategies:

1. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Regularly challenge yourself with new experiences, even if they seem daunting.

2. Adopt a Growth Mindset: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

3. Commit to Long-Term Goals: Passion and perseverance lead to significant achievements.

4. Stay Open to Discovery: Be receptive to unexpected insights and opportunities that arise along the way.

5. Reflect and Adapt: Periodically reassess your journey, adjusting your course based on new learnings.

Life’s greatest lessons and rewards come from stepping into the unknown and persisting despite adversity. Perseverance ensures we stay the course, and often, in our persistence, we stumble upon the answers we have been searching for all along. By embracing the adventure, trusting the process, and remaining open to discovery, we grow and create a life rich with meaning and purpose.

References

• Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.

• Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

• Epstein, D. (2019). Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Riverhead Books.

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