Persistence

It is becoming more and more apparent to me
that one of the keys to being successful is plain ole’ persistence!
Sure, we need a solid system for doing things.  Sure, we need a definite aim in our lives.  But without steady and advancing persistence, we’ll never achieve anything of any
worth.

I will lean heavily on Napolean Hill here from his book, “Think and Grow Rich.”  It is a classic piece of
literature and I would highly recommend you pick up a copy or dust off your old one sitting on your shelf over there.

Check out this little nugget:  ” The only ‘break’ anyone can afford to rely upon is a self-made ‘break.’  These come through the application of persistence.  The starting point is definiteness of purpose.”

I have been really blessed with working with some great pros over the years.  Like-minded guys and gals that are doing what they love everyday.  And the one thing I can say they all have in common is that they know what they want and they make it happen!

 

Last week I was in Pigeon Forge with my manager,
meeting with our partners at Dollywood, where I’ll
be presenting my full touring illusion show, “Unbelievable,” this summer. (By the way – come see us if you can June 11-July 10, 2016.)

While in town, I got to hang out with two long time magician friends who are crushing it with their own shows in Pigeon Forge – Darren Romeo & Terry Evanswood. 

Darren I have known for about a dozen years and always manages to reinvent himself and connect with audiences.  From Vegas to theme parks to cruise ships and the Magic Castle – Darren is Persistent.  Terry is celebrating 20 years in Pigeon Fore this coming month.  From his long running shows in Las Vegas & Aruba…then coming into Pigeon Forge with a dream and a mission – Terry is Persistent!

Both perfect examples of people I am proud to call friends and who are persistent in their careers.

Now on the other side of the coin… sadly – I have also spoken with many “wanna-bees” and “arm-chair” magicians who all have one thing in common… it’s the “if only’s”. 

“If only I had an act like yours…”

“If only I had the time and the resources that you have…” 

“If only …(fill in any other poor excuse here).”

A week ago I was talking with a magician friend who said…” You’re going to be performing at Dollywood?!?!?  That’s my dream gig… wish I was lucky.”

Luck has nothing to do with it.  I was persistent. 

I find places I want to work and I pursue them.  End of story.  We don’t stop marketing un till they buy or they die. LOL 🙂  You have to be persistent with your marketing to be a success.

I am reminded of what Johnny Carson said when asked about being in the right place at the right time.

He said that it is not a matter of being in the right place at the right time, but being ready when the right place and the right time come up.  This is incredibly powerful!

Mr. Carson was a magician, like us.  I can imagine that he was a little fearful when he was approached for the job of his life.  He admittedly felt that fear everyday before going on for his monologue.
Yet he knew what he wanted and was ready to respond when the time came!
All of those years of practice, all of those tough gigs he must have had all paid off in the long run.

So if you’re feeling a little run-down with the grind, this article is for you.  If you’re plowing ahead and not quite there yet, this article is for you.  If you are at the top of your game and everything is going great, this article is for you.

Today is a great day to remind ourselves of the habit of persistence!  And it is a habit.  It will not come naturally and the moment we take it for granted, it will disappear.

Believe me, I am speaking from direct, personal experience with this.  Find your God-given chief purpose in life and do everything you can to pursue it, with passion!

Here are the steps laid out for us by Napolean Hill…

1)  A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.

2)  A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

3)  A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.

4)  A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.

I really hope you can see my passion in this article and that you also found it eye opening and helpful.
Drop me a line & let me know your thoughts.