I must have repeated this quote often because a colleague came across it on a brass plaque and got it for me. Years later, I gifted it forward to a mentee:
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men 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.
Calvin Coolidge
That was good ol’ Cal and me: Press on. Make it happen. No pain, no gain. Take action. And like that. That attitude dominated my thinking and career most of my life.
I still have fun invoking “Action” Jackson, the Detroit Police Department Detective Jericho Jackson, from the 1988 action comedy film Action Jackson. Long ago, my family surely tired of hearing me call out, “Action Jackson!” as somebody plunged ahead mindless of the impediments in play or the wisdom of their exploit.
Then The Universe slapped me across the face and asked, “Are you sure that persistent, determined action is the only option?”
As I reflect on the plaque’s theme, I wonder if it’s actually a refuge for those of us with insecurities around our intellect, our talent, our drive, our creativity, our business savvy, and even our self-worth? Do we feel that relentless action will compensate for lack of such valuable personal traits? Do we fear that deep pause and reflection will expose our shortcomings? Less forced action; more thinking/listening/waiting? Just wondering…
When I was once considering my next move (start a new undertaking, perhaps help run someone’s business, etc.), I was ready to brainstorm possibilities, reconnect with my network, and strategize. Living with uncertainty can be challenging for some of us. My instinct was to act quickly—until my wife gently suggested something unexpected. “Maybe you should slow down, do nothing for a while, and let the Universe provide guidance.” It was stunningly good advice. I listened.
The Bible teaches that the ancient Hebrews had to wander in the desert for 40 years to learn lessons. I wandered too. Unpredictable becoming. It was an experiment in swapping determined action for openness. Instead of trying to force things, let them unfold more naturally. It felt pretty good.
Much later, I began to absorb the Buddhist lessons around Non-Grasping. This shouldn’t be confused with lack of planning, effort, fortitude, and kicking-ass when appropriate. Rather, it reflects a recognition that there are untold factors beyond our control influencing outcomes.
Buddhist practitioners keep the basic concept of non-grasping, non-clinging in mind at all times and reflect it in their everyday actions. That psychological framing reminds us that more is in play than our persistence and determination to stay on plan. We absolutely should set goals, strategize, establish timelines, and all the rest, but the Buddhists would caution us not to hold them too tightly. Leave room for awareness and acceptance of other factors that impact even our dearest plans.
Julia Keller, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and former chief book critic at The Chicago Tribune, writes, “The myth of perseverance… stigmatizes the decision of quitting.” She shares a powerful proverb: “No matter how far you’ve gone down the wrong road, turn back.”
As I’ve asked myself and I now ask you: “Are persistence and determination alone omnipotent?” If not, might we work smarter, not harder? Might we put aside dogged determination as our mantra? If we loosen our tight fist of determination, might we better grasp what else The Universe is offering? I offer no certainty in any of this, but you could give it a try and see what happens…
