Perseverance or Resilience?
Perseverance and resilience are often used interchangeably, but they play very different roles in how we deal with what life throws our way.
Let me explain.
Perseverance is about staying the course when the road gets tough. It’s waking up every morning to do the work. Period. Even when we’d rather quit and throw in the towel.
It’s about continuing to move forward, one step at a time, no matter how slow the progress feels. Perseverance is the long-term grind. The commitment to a goal that doesn’t waver in the face of adversity.
Resilience, on the other hand, is about what happens when we get knocked down. Life has a funny way of punching us in the face, and resilience is our ability to absorb the impact, adjust, and bounce back stronger.
It’s not just about enduring adversity. Nope. It’s about learning from it and adapting to new realities.
Resilience isn’t about ignoring failure; it’s about processing it, learning what we can, and moving forward with a better strategy.
The difference between perseverance and resilience lies in the moment they kick in.
Perseverance keeps us going when we’re still on our feet. It’s the voice in our head that says, “Keep pushing. You’ve got this.”
Resilience is what happens after we fall. It’s what gets us back on our feet, dusting ourselves off, and figuring out the next move.
Here’s a practical way to think about it:
Imagine you’re training for a marathon. Perseverance is what gets you out of bed at 5 a.m. to hit the pavement, even when it’s raining or you’re tired. It’s the part of you that says, “I made a commitment, and I’m sticking with it.” But what if you twist your ankle halfway through training? Resilience is what helps you recover from that setback. It’s the part of you that adapts to the injury, modifies your plan, and finds a way to stay in the game.
Both traits are essential for success, but they serve different purposes.
Perseverance keeps us moving toward our goals, no matter how tough things get. Resilience ensures that when life knocks us down (and it will), we have the strength and adaptability to get back up.
Personal success is not about choosing one over the other. It’s about cultivating both.
Here’s the catch: Most people aren’t naturally great at both.
Some are amazing at grinding through the hard times but struggle to bounce back when they face failure. Others are quick to recover from setbacks but lack the stamina to push through prolonged adversity.
The key is self-awareness. Knowing which trait we need to work on.
If we need more perseverance, we’ve got to focus on discipline and accountability. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate the progress we make. Recognize that the work won’t always feel good, but it’s necessary.
If we need more resilience, we’ve got to start with self-compassion. Failure is part of the human experience, not a reflection of our worth. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and help you see the bigger picture.
And remember: Adaptability is a superpower. The faster we can adjust our mindset and approach, the quicker we’ll recover.
Both perseverance and resilience require a shift in how we think and the way we respond.
Reread that a time or two.
Life isn’t about avoiding challenges or setbacks. It’s about learning how to keep going when things get tough and how to recover when things fall apart.
Because in the end, the people who achieve their goals aren’t the ones who never fail. They’re the ones who keep getting back up. They’re the ones who stay the course. No matter what.
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So, ask yourself:
Where do I need to grow? Am I too quick to give up when progress is slow? Or, do I struggle to get back up after a setback?
The answers will point you toward the trait you need to cultivate next.
Perseverance will keep you on the path. Resilience will ensure you’re ready for the unexpected twists and turns along the way.
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Steve Knox | Pebble Beach, California
\\\ Thanks for reading. I love the juxtaposition and deeper understanding of these two words. I think we use them interchangeably without knowing which one we really mean or need in the moment. I hope this gives you pause to lean into both. Please forward and share this post with your circle of friends. Much love. Be honest. Be you.