November Write Club Week #4: Unpacking Perseverance - Yes, You Can!

There is a Japanese proverb that speaks simply of the heart of Perseverance. Nana korobi ya obi or “fall seven times and get up eight”. Perhaps if this were a corporate inspirational poster, we could end this blog with a simple image of someone climbing a mountain. But this isn’t the ‘90s and we’re creatives. We need to paint a picture, compose the music, and write the metaphor.

First, let’s be clear: according to dictionary.com, the definition of perseverance is “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” From a theological standpoint, it can mean “continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.” No wonder creatives beat themselves up! They are confusing perseverance with discipline. Discipline is doing the same activity over and over as if it is a habit. Perseverance is making the same choice in the face of adversity. Perseverance is a choice and a hard one at that.

So let’s unpack the creative journey and how we can continue to choose to make the art that we love!

The Context for the Creative Journey

Inspiration struck, and off you went! Nothing is as easy as the honeymoon phase, however. You do, however, have to remember that feeling of falling in love. It will give you strength on your journey.

The Obstacles

Every journey has roadblocks, twists and turns, and even pitfalls. Understand its inevitability, and you can remain flexible. Appreciate its value, and you can remain empowered. The road to completion is not easy, but you can become stronger to walk it.

“The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want something badly enough.”

- Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture

When You Meet Resistance

Trusting your instincts can be difficult at any stage of the journey, but it can seem incredibly daunting when it feels like the world is conspiring against you. You are not the source of the obstacle, but you do have to choose to move past it. Don’t be your own resistance. Or at least - consider learning coping skills and practices to strengthen your willpower.

The Mindset to Move Forward

Perseverance isn’t knowing exactly where you are going, but rather knowing backward isn’t an option. Being willing to look for solutions means you aren’t wasting time or energy on considering an alternative. Remain flexible yet committed.

If you have not yet read Angela Lee Duckworth’s book GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I highly recommend it. You can also enjoy her TED Talk here.

Permission for Perspective is Empowering

Sometimes when we receive feedback or experience rejection, we hear the call of “perseverance” and blaze forward without altering course. Taking a beat to understand how new information could help move forward gives you more options. Certainly more options than simply “keeping doing the same thing or give up”. With room to receive new information, and the ability to adapt while committed to the course, you’ll find the slower moments of reflection can catapult you forward. Perseverance isn’t about being stubborn; it’s about being flexible enough to make it to the end.

How to Gain Perspective?

Communicate, Community, Commitment. The creative process is not done in a vacuum. Sharing what you’ve created, and receiving feedback and support from like-minded creatives is a great way to continue to check in on your progress before you complete your journey. Once you begin to see your work as others see it, you may feel the pull to please them instead of fulfilling your original passion. And this is where perspective must serve your purposes, not satisfy someone else’s expectations. Perseverance is also about remembering who this creation is for so you can continue to shape it while maintaining the heart of what you fell in love with in the beginning.

A Final Note on Commitment

As we think about commitment, we circle back around to the definition of perseverance, and the expectations that it brings up. For example, the presumption that only disciplined, perfect, unerring people are somehow the only ones capable of the long journey up the hill. But that is an illusion built by fear of unworthiness. If you take nothing else from today’s reflection, take this with you on your creative journey: the only requirement for perseverance is not quitting. You may rest, you may pause to learn and grow, or you may reevaluate priorities and shelve it. After coping with the resistance, however, your choice to find a way forward is perseverance. And the choice is always yours.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .