There are no guarantees for success in anything, but you can guarantee failure. Quit trying, give up, don’t persevere, accept failure as your destiny. It’s that simple. Anyone can guarantee failure. My hope and prayer is that none of you give into that temptation. You’re created for so much more than that, you are a masterpiece. You are full of potential that is waiting to be disciplined, developed, and released.  I know that even in your worst moment of discouragement, when you feel beaten down the most, when you feel there is no hope for success that you do not want to give into quitting, there is a voice inside of you shouting “don’t give up, don’t quit.” It’s the voice of hope and potential.  Nobody wants to guarantee failure, so how do you go about pursuing success?

Persevere

Perseverance is a key element for success. Those who are unwilling to persevere can almost guarantee failure. Perseverance is not just endurance; it’s not a “grin and bear it” mentality. Perseverance is an attitude of growth. Perseverance will tip the odds of success in your favor. Perseverance will allow you to thrive regardless of what you may go through.  It will keep you on course and purpose, especially during times of difficulty or discouragement. Imagine that with each obstacle or trial you face, you see him or her as opportunities to grow. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote about it as finishing a race and winning: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”  (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT)

Positive Response 

Anyone can respond to difficulties in a negative way. It does not take discipline to do so and it usually guarantees failure. Why? Because your attitude at the beginning of anything will affect and determine the outcome. Take the road that leads to success and choose to have a positive response. Here’s how Jesus’ half brother, James, talks about it in Scripture: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  (James 1:2-4 NLT)

 Notice the connection to growth, which is the key to guaranteeing success as you go through something. Make a decision at the beginning that no matter what happens you are going to persevere and have a positive response so that you can grow in and through all things!