Persistence

Whatever vegetables he had left over at the end of the day, I would sell. Under his watchful eye, I made my first sale of a batch of onions for a few pennies. There’s something uniquely satisfying about earning your success through hard work. Selling my grandfather’s left over vegetables and his daily example were lessons in persistence that have paid dividends for a lifetime.

Persistence is the single most important ingredient of success in life. It’s more important than intellect, athletic ability, good looks, or personal magnetism. If you’re willing to stumble and fall and still keep on going, you’ll succeed.

Early in my career with my partner, Jay Van Andel, we planned a big sales meeting that we promoted on radio and in newspaper ads. Only two people showed up. We drove home after the meeting in the middle of the night because we didn’t have money for a motel room. But that setback didn’t stop us. When confronted with failure or a disappointment, you have only two choices: give up or persist.

If I could pass on one character trait to young people in the world – one single quality that would help them achieve success in life – it would be persistence. It’s a God-given compensation for what we lack in other areas of our life. Never underestimate its power.

It is the same with sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ – we must witness, witness, witness. Not all will respond or some even listen – but we persist, because we believe.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Rich DeVos is vice-chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.