Character Traits for Success: Determination

A little determination goes a long way in life, in relationships and in business. Whether you’re talking about starting an entrepreneurial venture, muddling through the trying times within a marriage or simply finding a way to continue on your chosen track when the going gets tough, having an attitude of stick-to-it-ness can mean the difference between success and failure. We at commonfig are dedicated to the idea that you can find personal fulfillment in your work, and recognize that determination is often necessary to get through times of questioning, doubt or difficulty, whether you are a service provider or a service seeker. When you first start out in your business, and at various times throughout your career, you will probably need some perseverance and persistence when it comes to finding new clients, keeping customers during economic downturns and selling your service or product. As in any venture, there will be times when business is booming, and there will be times with the natural ebb and flow stops flowing. While it may seem easier to pack up shop and look for a traditional 9-5 job where you have less responsibility, determination will most likely pay off in the long run! In the same respect, you may, at times, have the need for a service provider, but not the funds to pay for the service. Instead of throwing up your hands, stick to your guns and find a way. A little bit of ingenuity can go far: Can you barter services to get what you need? Perhaps you can spend a day researching ways to cut costs. Calling around to different service providers or, better yet, having an in-depth and honest talk with a provider with whom you already have a quality relationship, might help you come up with ways to proceed with your project. Don’t just give up; have some spunk and find a way! When it comes to fostering quality relationships with your clients or your contractors, you may need to rely on your sense of perseverance; any relationship will have its ups and downs, and professional alliances are no exception. Be willing to talk through any differences that arise, and have the determination to make things right again. Of course, there are times when you do need to give up on what may have been a dream. If you’ve spent time investigating all avenues and have come up with nothing, then to continue in your persistence may well be a waste of time. If you’ve given your best effort in starting a new career, selling a new product, pursuing a professional relationship or finding a way to fund your project and have gotten nowhere, you may need to cut your losses without regret and start anew. Keep in mind Edward Guests’ poem, It Couldn’t be Done, the next time you find yourself ready to throw in the towel: Somebody said that it couldn’t be done, But, he with a chuckle replied That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried. So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin On his face. If he worried he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn’t be done, and he did it. Find a way to “tackle the thing,” and you’ll be able to look back on it as a learning experience, no matter what the eventual outcome. Tell us about a time that you persisted against the odds. Did you succeed? If not, did you learn from your failure? Commonfig.com is all-in-one web application that helps small businesses/professionals to grow and build meaningful relationships with clients.  Sign up today, its free and take advantage of yet another way to market your services. For limited time, we are offering free upgrade to premium services.