"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Scottish essayist, satirist, and historian

When I think of tenacity and persistence, this oratory from Winston Churchill comes to mind;

"...this is the lesson: Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

Tenacity and persistence look fear in the face, run toward the giant, and against all odds…sling the stone. Know that, "You will never accomplish anything in your life without conflict or controversy" (John Hagee). When high achievers feel that they are on the right track, they aren't easily stopped. They stick to the opinions that they form, differentiating them from most others.

Believe in yourself. Believe in what you are doing. Following Ralph Waldo Emerson's counsel, you should "Trust thyself. Great men have always done so." Several high achievers believe that there is an interchangeability of factors. They may sometimes lose their confidence, but they are courageous through their circumstances and often use determination in place of confidence.

Many people give up just about the time they were about to 'cross over.' Their very next step would've proven them successful, but they threw up their hands, threw in the towel and gave up. High achievers' styles are different, but they are always persistent. Norman Vincent Peale said, "I never let go of something that I desperately want to do or that I believe ought to be done." Doing it, no matter the method, is the key.