Albert Einstein was a brilliant man who made many scientific discoveries, and he attributes his success to his perseverance. He once said,

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

As infants, everyone seems to have an incredible work ethic when learning new things because they will continuously try things over and over again until they succeed at what they are trying to learn. Think of a baby learning how to walk. No matter how many times they fall, they keep getting back up and trying again. They may take a break for a while, but then they go back to it to figure it out. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, most individuals tend to outgrow this sheer determination to keep trying until we figure it out.

Perseverance is an essential skill for any individual, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. Successful individuals have the ability to persevere in the face of adversity in many facets of life. Individuals must develop their own strategies for various aspects of their lives, such as schooling, maintaining good physical and mental health, work, coping in social settings and relationships, and recreational or leisure activities. Some settings will require unique strategies, while others will have overlapping approaches that can be applied across multiple areas.

Recent research has continued to emphasize the importance of perseverance as a critical factor for success. Studies, such as those by Duckworth and Gross (2014) on “grit” and resilience, highlight how perseverance contributes to long-term goal achievement. Additionally, Dweck’s (2017) work on the growth mindset underscores how a belief in the ability to improve can foster persistence in the face of challenges. For individuals with disabilities, developing perseverance can be even more crucial, as they often face additional barriers that require creative problem-solving and sustained effort.

1. Understand the Meaning of Perseverance

Merriam-Webster defines perseverance as “a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”

Individuals who experience the world in ways other than what is considered typical will likely face many obstacles along their way through life. They have two choices: they can take a deep breath and meet the challenge, or they can give up. If an individual wants to persevere, they must decide to face the challenge even though they know it will be hard. Research from Duckworth et al. (2007) supports the idea that grit—the combination of perseverance and passion—plays a key role in personal and professional success.

2. Understand the Benefits of Perseverance and the Consequences of Not Persevering

Individuals with disabilities face more than their fair share of difficulties, and there are many times when giving up might seem like the easiest option. However, research shows that pushing through difficulties can build resilience and increase self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997). Those who persist are more likely to develop problem-solving skills and adaptive strategies that serve them in multiple life domains.

Conversely, a lack of perseverance can lead to a cycle of avoidance and missed opportunities. When individuals give up instead of pushing through a challenge, future obstacles seem even more daunting. This pattern can lead to learned helplessness, a condition in which individuals feel incapable of overcoming difficulties (Seligman, 1972). Recognizing this cycle can help individuals develop strategies to push through challenges rather than retreat from them.

3. Understand Perseverance as It Relates to Goal Setting

Having a clear goal provides motivation and incentive to persevere. Setting both short-term and long-term goals allows individuals to maintain focus and track progress. Research by Locke and Latham (2002) emphasizes that specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance than vague or easy goals. For individuals with disabilities, using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can be particularly beneficial in breaking down large tasks into manageable steps.

4. Develop Strategies for Dealing with Obstacles, Setbacks, and Adjusting to Change

Unfortunately, life is not always fair, and setbacks are inevitable. Individuals need strategies to deal with frustration and remain adaptable in the face of challenges. Some evidence-based strategies include:

• Cognitive reframing: Looking at setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures (Beck, 1976).
• Mindfulness and stress management techniques: Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to stay focused and manage stress (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).
• Seeking social support: Engaging with mentors, peers, and support networks to gain encouragement and advice (Schunk & Zimmerman, 2007).
• Developing contingency plans: Preparing alternative pathways to success in case initial plans do not work as expected.

5. Recognize That Passion and Desire Keep One Moving in the Face of Adversity

There will be times when success seems impossible, but the only way to guarantee failure is to give up. Research on intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2000) suggests that individuals who are passionate about their pursuits are more likely to push through difficulties. Finding personal meaning and value in one’s goals can sustain motivation even in challenging times.

Final Thoughts

Perseverance is a skill that can be cultivated with practice and intentional effort. By understanding its importance, recognizing its benefits, setting clear goals, developing effective strategies, and staying motivated through passion and desire, individuals—especially those with disabilities—can overcome obstacles and achieve success in various aspects of life.

The journey may not always be easy, but as history and research demonstrate, those who persist in the face of adversity often emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. As we move forward, it is essential to continue fostering a culture that values and teaches perseverance, particularly for individuals facing additional challenges in their educational, professional, and personal lives.

References

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.

Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Duckworth, A. L., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319-325.

Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101.

Dweck, C. S. (2017). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delacorte.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.

Schunk, D. H., & Zimmerman, B. J. (2007). Motivation and self-regulated learning: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge.

Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23(1), 407-412.