T-E-N-A-C-I-T-Y. An 8 letter word with a scrabble score of 14 points. Unless you land on a double word or letter square. The dictionary definition includes:
The quality or state of being persistence – merriam-webster.com
The quality of retaining something – dictionary.com
The quality or property of holding together firmly – dictionary.com
Persistent determination – mnemonidictionary.com
Extremely persistent in adhering to or doing something – thefreedictionary.com
A definition that really strikes a chord with me is that given in the Cambridge dictionary “The Determination To Continue What You Are Doing.”
This definition takes me on a journey down memory lane, back to secondary school where I developed an interest in long distance races, especially Marathons. I was part of the school’s athletics team, competing in several inter-school long distance races; marathons, 3000m and 1500m. On a few occasions, I ran the 800m and 400m.
I tried to avoid the two later races as they required a different approach. What I lacked in speed for short distance races, I had in abundance of stamina for the longer distance races. I had the strength of will to finish every race and withstand the harsh harmattan (dry season); dusty tracks and dry-thirsty throat and not to mention the grumbling tummy (I had a habit of not eating on the day of any race).
It’s been many years since then, and although I haven’t been on the tracks for decades. I still have a passion for track events especially long distance races. It’s my desire to run the London Marathon and hope to do so soon. Everyone in life runs a race; an individual race to accomplish our goals. Goals are categorized as short, medium and long term. These can be likened to track events. Short term goals (100m – 400m), Medium term goals (800m – 1500m) and Long term goals (greater than 1500m).
Just as each type of race is approached differently, our goals should be as well. Short term goals like short distance races require speed in completing them. Long term goals on the other hand like long distance races require physical and mental strength for success. The marathon is described as the true test of endurance.
Many people achieve their short tem goals but only a few people are able to attain their long term goals. Tenacity is required in the accomplishment of our long term goals. It’s expected that we consider and plan properly before starting a project. Experts will advise that it’s best to take it easy at the beginning, and pace oneself into the project. I believe that a project is successful when you have accomplished what you set off to achieve. Marathoners don’t speed throughout their race as they need to conserve their strength.
Run your race at your own pace, and finish it. Don’t burn out along the way. Understand your ability and industry enough, so as not to suffer injuries along the way.
It’s one thing to set a goal, it’s another thing to sustain it and accomplish it. Don’t let the challenges and obstacles along the way deter you from accomplishing your goals. Be Tenacious In The Pursuit Of Your Goals.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22 vs 29
#tenacity #determined #determination #forgingahead #marathon #focused #accomplish #longtermgoals #goals #dontgiveup
smilinggurl's Blog 
Thank you..Im determined to be tenacious in pursuit of my vision and goals. Love this article. Read it twice already lol
Thank you x. We can all accomplish our goals with tenancity… stubborn faith.
This is so inspiring like always. Thank you very much sis.
Thanks kinginglounge.
Very timely message….. We should all be more tenacious about the things that count. Thanks 😘
Yes. Let’s make those dreams a reality. Thank you x
I’m inspired. You did it again. Thank you
You’re far too kind Dorizo… Thank you x
Another great and inspiring article. Thanks sis
Thank you sis xxx
Very timely message!!
Message? You’re far too kind.
Anointed write up. Always loaded with so much inspiration. Impacting one person at a time in large numbers. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Ziziziiiiii!
Ziziziiiiii… What can I say? With comments like this, I could write everyday. Thank you for reading and thank you for the compliment.
Enjoyed your article, insightful…..
I remember your shaggy running days…….😁
I thought about you as I wrote it. You ran the short distance races right?
As always, well done my darling friend. Looking forward to seeing you do the marathon 😘😘
Thank you 😘… Guess that’s confirmation that you’re coming to cheer me on.
Of course will come cheer you on all the way!! I know is not next year though hahaha so I have plenty time to get ready 😉
Assumption dear… The list is yet to come out. Start now.
I absolutely agree with this piece of article.Tenacity,which can also be defined as the staying power,assiduity and insistence of an individual,to accomplish his or her goal in life,is pregnant,in those who really have a vision of who they want to be,and achieve in life.I must say I’m one them.
Thanks sister Nike.
T Briggs
We need this article in church.I also want to see u do the marathon.Hahaaaaa.
My cheerleaders squad keeps increasing… Let’s share it everywhere.
Thanks T Briggs. Staying Power & Assiduity… so accurate. The difference between an achiever and a dreamer.
Love this piece my dear….kind of puts alot of things in perspective. thanks
Awww… You’re Welcome Yinx xxx
… the ability to be determined enough to realise one’s goals come what may… I like plenty!
Thank you so much
Yes it is. Thank you too x
Very inspiring and loaded. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
That’s a good one. What most people if not everyone can relate with. Using the race track as standard i remember I took a chance in mine many years back i barely completed the 1st lap. And when I look back i feel really guilty.
Don’t we all do that! Not everyone that begins a race finishes it. The good thing is that, you can start again or simply continue from where you stopped. Thanks for dropping a comment.