Is there something really important that you want to do but can’t seem to make it happen? Are people around you telling you not to do it?  Or, are they just looking at you in a funny or confused or questioning way as you try?  Do the obstacles seem insurmountable?

Reminds me of a phrase I learned as an undergrad at the University of New Orleans in the Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Administration program. A member of the faculty at the time named Dr. Guyette was a very tough number. He actually created obstacles for his students in order to teach important lessons. He put the phrase “Persistence and Determination Alone are Omnipotent” in front of us at some point during those years and I have never forgotten it. I later learned it was part of this larger and famous Calvin Coolidge quote:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”

Persistence and Determination in action:

http://youtu.be/zt7rXE9vhNY

Because he was determined and he persisted, Gus achieved his goal, against some pretty serious odds. It’s worth pointing out that he did adjust his strategy in response to the environment – the pool wouldn’t go through the door full of water so he dumped it.

I’m a bulldog owner and know how tenacious they can be so this one really cracks me up. I’ll write about my darling Pearl girl soon. Here is one of her baby pictures.  She turns 2 years old this week.

And to you as you work to make your dreams a reality, Press On!!