The Only Sure Way To Fail Is To Stop Trying

by Michael D. Hume, M.S.

Today in the United States, we honor our military veterans. If you are one, let me thank you for your service. And if I happen to see you in uniform in one of the airports I’m visiting today, I have a nice thank-you card for you with a twenty tucked inside.

I did my service in peace time. I can only imagine what it’s like for you men and women out there in uniform these days. Please know that we do appreciate your sacrifices.

I just read a story the other day about the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor whose service took place since the Vietnam war. Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta (who, judging from the patch on the uniform in his picture, is a fellow paratrooper) was one of the lucky ones who made it out of eastern Afghanistan alive, but not before heroic action that could’ve (probably should’ve) cost him his life. He ran into a hail of enemy fire to shield and save his buddies. His leaders were yelling at him to stop, but he kept going, despite unbelievable resistance. And he doesn’t think he’s a hero. He says, as do most heroes, that any of the troopers in his unit would’ve done exactly the same thing. He was just doing his job.

Sal Giunta is an example of a real inspirational leader. And by the way, when he undertook these heroic actions, he wasn’t a sergeant. He was a lowly 22-year-old soldier for whom “leadership” was not a privilege commensurate with stripes on his sleeve, but a felt obligation arising from the core of his character.

How about you?

Do you think “just doing your job” is akin to going through the motions of daily existence, or for you, does it mean doing whatever it takes to get the job done? However tough? However inconvenient?

Be thankful you don’t have to dash into a hail of gunfire today. Whatever your job is, though, you’re sure to have obstacles and resistance. So what? Be inspired to do your job the way Sal did his that day in Afghanistan. Run in, and keep at it until you’ve accomplished your goal.

If your job seems impossible, go make yourself another one. Start your own business on the side, and grow it until you don’t need that day job any more. Then you have all the options. You can keep your day job, or quit. And you might find you want to keep it, since running your own business on the side is likely to rejuvenate your performance and attitude even at your old “impossible” job. But don’t hang around and wait to get laid off. A persistent, inspirational leader only leaves a job on her own terms, or at least has a back-up plan firmly in place if the unforeseeable happens.

If you seem impossibly out of shape, change your habits and change your body. Start small. Make a little progress each day or week on the five key habits I call The NEWSS: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sleep, and Supplements. You will find getting in shape far from impossible, but it will require you to be persistent. It’s true, what they say: the only way to fail is to stop trying.

If you want to be inspirational, you have to be inspired. And to be inspired, you have to be able to see yourself as a success, which will only happen through persistence. So don’t quit trying. You’re going to succeed. You may not have the opportunity or calling for the sort of heroism displayed by the likes of Sal Giunta… but in your own little circle you can do great things.

Be a hero today.

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/inspirational-leaders-are-persistent-3652447.html”

(ArticlesBase SC #3652447)

Michael Hume –
About the Author:

Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.

Those with an entrepreneurial spirit who want to make money “one less thing to worry about” can learn more about working with Michael at http://oneyearplan.net/michaeldhume

Anyone wanting to jump-start their vitality can browse through the best (and most travel-friendly) nutraceuticals on the market at http://shop.enivausa.com/239824

Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael’s web site at http://michaelhume.net

]]>

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
0 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/inspirational-leaders-are-persistent-3652447.html

Article Tags:
inspirational leadership, sal giunta, medal of honor, persistence, health wealth and happiness

Related Videos

Latest Motivational Articles
More from Michael Hume

How Letterman and Cheers Writer Inspired Move to VH1

In Chapter 8 of 13, General Motors OnStar marketer Mark Graham cultivates a relationship with VH1 executive Fred Graver over two years while also continuing his pop culture blog www.whatevs.org. Graham’s persistence and communication help him land a New York-based VH1 opportunity in line with his digital marketing and blogging experience. (01:55)

How a Vegetarian Teacher Decided to Raise Pigs

In Chapter 15 of 15, “The Art of Eating In” author and ‘Not Eating Out in New York’ food blogger Cathy Erway shares how Tamarack Hollow Farm’s Mike Betit has inspired her through his actions. Betit, a Vermont-based greenmarket farmer and small meat producer, left a teaching career to raise pigs and create healthier, locally grown food options for parents raising families. Erway shares Betit’s early struggles and persistence building a business around a clearly defined purpose. (02:02)

How Steve Jobs Inspires People

BNET walks you through some key tips that Steve Jobs uses to inspire his audiences. (06:54)

Why Las Vegas Inspires Writers

Author Charles Bock discusses Las Vegas as a literary inspiration. (02:25)

How a Harper’s Magazine Journalist Inspired an Author

In Chapter 10 of 15, “The Art of Eating In” author Cathy Erway traces her ongoing inspirations from graduating Emerson College with a creative writing degree until present times. Erway highlights how Harper’s Magazine showcases a thoughtful news approach that inspires her to incorporate a more research-driven journalism approach to her writing. Specifically Harper’s writer and ‘Nickel and Dimed’ author Barbara Ehrenreich influences Erway’s plans for what comes next in her writing career. (02:21)

Inspirational Leaders Are Persistent

If you want to be inspirational, you have to be inspired. And to be inspired, you have to be able to see yourself as a success, which will only happen through persistence. So don’t quit trying. You’re going to succeed. You may not have the opportunity or calling for the sort of heroism displayed by the likes of Sal Giunta… but in your own little circle you can do great things.

By:
Michael Humel

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 11, 2010

How Alpha Brainwaves Meditation Can Unleash Your Creativity And Improve Problem Solving

Alpha brainwaves is a desirable frequency for improving levels of performance, unleashing your inner creativity and making substantive changes in your subconscious mind. Being able to control your brain’s alpha frequencies will lead to improvements in attitude and self-confidence.

By:
Jim Woodruffl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 11, 2010

Discover The Power Behind A Binaural Beats Download

Meditation is a very effective way to gain self-confidence, get rid of addictions, and generally feel better about yourself, but achieving deep meditative states can be difficult and the results elusive. Listening to binaural beats mp3s while meditating is a convenient way to achieve effective meditative states more easily and in a shorter period of time. Meditation no longer has to be an intensive and lengthy learning process. It is available to anyone with a set of stereo headphones.

By:
Jim Woodruffl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 11, 2010

Being Spiritual Helps

We all look out for some one to rely ,some one to depend.That is natural and it happens with us some or the other time in our lives.Time and again ,if we can develop a strong belief in God,he can be the best friend around.

By:
Aindril

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 11, 2010

Improving Self-Motivation

If we want our dreams and goals in life to come true then we must learn to keep ourselves motivated. By doing this we will have the necessary drive we need to keep going until we get what we want. If you want additional information about how to improve one’s motivation then continue reading his article.

By:
James Sutherlandl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 10, 2010

How You Can Begin to Feel Really Good about Yourself – The Little Prince Series

Learning to be present in my life—to simply enjoy this moment, right now, with no thought of the next moment—didn’t happen quickly for me. So if you are discouraged by your own progress, take heart.I can tell you that today I dwell each and every moment in the now, experiencing an enduring inner peace that makes it pure enjoyment to be me.There is nothing about my being that I doubt anymore, nothing I wish would do a disappearing act.

By:
David Robert Ordl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 10, 2010

Your Ability To Move Forward

Do you have faith in your ability? If someone told you that you could be a millionaire in the next three years if you took a certain series of steps would you believe them? If someone told you that you could be a VP or a CEO of the company you currently work for in the next 5 years would you believe them? Most people would not. When you peel back the onion most people don’t have an unwavering faith in their ability to accomplish anything substantial. Let’s discuss how to improve faith in your ab

By:
Tanisha Adjokatcherl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 10, 2010

Sadness Isn’t Your True State, No Matter How Sad You Feel – The Little Prince Series

What do you do when you are sad?I’m not talking about the occasional moment of sadness because of something that has happened, but about that background sadness so many of us feel—though generally try not to feel, but that surfaces overwhelmingly at times.On one of his sad days the Little Prince simply sat and watched sunset after sunset, which on his tiny planet wasn’t difficult to do. One day he watched forty-four sunsets!

By:
David Robert Ordl

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 09, 2010

Inspirational Leaders Are Persistent

If you want to be inspirational, you have to be inspired. And to be inspired, you have to be able to see yourself as a success, which will only happen through persistence. So don’t quit trying. You’re going to succeed. You may not have the opportunity or calling for the sort of heroism displayed by the likes of Sal Giunta… but in your own little circle you can do great things.

By:
Michael Humel

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 11, 2010

Doctor Shortage: Why Your Health Habits Matter

The looming doctor shortage is only one of the scary aspects of our new “health care reform.” It’s only one reason your health habits matter, and you need to take personal responsibility for your own vitality now so that you might be less dependent on government medicine in the future.

By:
Michael Humel

Health>
Wellnessl
Nov 10, 2010

Government Takeover: It Ain’t Over Yet

It’s been over a century since the “progressive” movement took hold in America. Since then, the movement has sought not to overthrow the country through “revolution,” but through “evolution.” One small move at a time. A new entitlement program here, a liberty withdrawn there. The ultimate goal is to erode the free-market libertarian republic and replace it with another socialist state wherein the smart government leaders ensure that no one is “left behind” – and that no one can get ahead.

By:
Michael Humel

News and Society>
Economicsl
Nov 09, 2010

Life Is Too Short

You don’t have to be a saint. But If you want to avoid later regret, you need to put your ego aside occasionally, Do enough kindnesses to confirm for yourself that you are the person you always intended to be.

By:
Michael Humel

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 08, 2010

An Interesting Idea Of Inspirational Leadership

Obama Flees To India In Wake Of His “Enemies'” Takeover

By:
Michael Humel

News and Society>
Economicsl
Nov 05, 2010

Take Personal Responsibility For Your Future

It’s time for inspirational leadership. Don’t wait for others to take care of you… and don’t wait to see if the changes will just pass you by. To prepare, think about undetaking these three bold actions.

By:
Michael Humel

Self Improvement>
Motivationall
Nov 04, 2010

U.S. Issues A Stop-Payment To Its Government

Voters Take First Step To Cancelling Obama’s Credit Card

By:
Michael Humel

News and Society>
Politicsl
Nov 03, 2010

Another Historic American Election

It seems like there’s no story line that hasn’t been done (to death) about today’s U.S. election. But one that I’ve heard nothing about is that of parallels between this election and that of 150 years ago.

By:
Michael Humel

News and Society>
Politicsl
Nov 02, 2010

Add new Comment

Your Name: *

Your Email:

Comment Body: *

Verification code:*

* Required fields

Submit

Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy

Sign Up Today

Author Navigation

My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder

My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box

Michael Hume has 104 articles online

Contact Author

Subscribe to RSS

Print article

Send to friend

Re-Publish article

Articles Categories
All Categories

Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Judaism
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing

Self Improvement

Addictions
Advice
Coaching
Goal Setting
Law of Attraction
Motivational
NLP Hypnosis
Psychology
Public Speaking
Self Help
Stress Management
Time Management

]]>

Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog

Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map

Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us

Business Info
Advertising

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.

 Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.Those with an entrepreneurial spirit who want to make money “one less thing to worry about” can learn more about working with Michael at http://oneyearplan.net/michaeldhumeAnyone wanting to jump-start their vitality can browse through the best (and most travel-friendly) nutraceuticals on the market at http://shop.enivausa.com/239824Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael’s web site at http://michaelhume.net
Article Source