I have had the opportunity to hear Professional Speaker and New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Nichols tell her incredible story of perseverance. Through trial and tribulation she never gave up and overcame her struggles to achieve great success. Over the years I have heard many stories from clients who confessed to giving up just as they almost reached their goal. I have also talked to colleagues who were Olympians and learned what helped them persevere to the finish line and win! Those who reached the finish line told me they believed they could win! They believed that their training, skill, stamina and coaching would take them there. My clients who fessed up to giving up too soon stated that they didn't believe they could reach their goal, or their disbelief shadowed their hope. Believing in your goal, yourself and ability to reach your goal is critical to your success. The poem titled "Don't Quit" by Edgar A. Guest has always been a favourite of mine. I hope this brings you inspiration and a renewed belief in the importance of your goals and your ability to reach them.

Don't Quit

by Edgar A. Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit -

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with it s twists and turns.

As everyone of us sometimes learns.

And may a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And when you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it sees afar'

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst, you must not quit.

Print this poem and keep it with you. Whenever you are facing tough times or hard decisions, take it out and read it. Remind yourself that it is through our troubles that we learn, grow, and succeed!

Author's Bio: 

Charmaine Hammond is the best selling author of On Toby's Terms (being made into a motion picture), Toby the Pet Therapy Dog & His Hospital Friends, and Bounce Forward. She is a transformational international speaker helping businesses Bounce Forward to become resilient teams. A business owner for 15 years, Charmaine has a solid background in conflict resolution with 20 years of leading courageous dialogue through change, conflict, challenges, and adversity.