# 8

Persistence: The quality of continuing steadily despite problems or obstacles. The ability to stay after something long after others think is reasonable.

Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.

During World War II, a story was circulating about the fate of England . According to the story, Hitler and Mussolini had invited Churchill for a secret conference in Paris . They met at a tea table beside a famous carp pool. Hitler ranted, " England is finished, Churchill! Sign this document admitting defeat and all Europe will have peace tomorrow! Churchill responded, "I don't agree that we have lost the war."

Hitler was furious. He pounded the table and again demanded Churchill admit defeat. Churchill, being the sporting man that he was said, "Why not settle this with a wager?" Hitler asked, "What's the bet?" Churchill said, "See these big carp in the pool? The first one to catch one without using normal fishing equipment will be the winner."

Both Hitler and Mussolini agreed to the bet.

Hitler went first. He pulled his revolver from its holster and aimed it at the nearest fish. He emptied the gun, but the water deflected the bullets.

Mussolini was next. He jumped into the pond and tried to catch a fish with his bare hand. He slipped and fell. Angry, he gave up.

Finally, it was Churchill's turn. He began to dip his tea spoon repeatedly into the pool and toss the water over his shoulder. "What are you doing?" Hitler screamed. Churchill replied, "It will take a long time, but we are going to win the war!

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this.....you haven't.

Persistence is what makes the impossible possible, the possible likely, and the likely definite.
--Robert Half

Contact Tom at: tomhughes@motivationNmore.com

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