By Cathy Burns, President of the Virtues Circle.
Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.
-William Ellery Channing
There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them.
- Phyllis Battome
-William Ellery Channing
There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them.
- Phyllis Battome
Steadfastness is the ability to persevere during difficult times, to stay true to your purpose. It is one of those Virtues that cannot be practiced in the absence of difficulties. Courage is like that too, for there is no Courage without fear. To be Steadfast, one must have a cause to believe in and a challenge to face.
Here at Virtues Circle, we recently faced a challenge, which I admit challenged my own Steadfastness. Two members of our Board of Directors had to step down. The reasons for them were positive – a new job for one and acceptance into graduate school for the other. We wholeheartedly wish them well. However, to loose two such valuable members of our team only a few months into our beginning caused me to wonder about our future. Were we going to make it? Was this a sign of things to come? Should we give up? I was surprised at how quickly I was considering walking away from something I really valued. During this struggle I learned a few things about carrying on in the face of setbacks.
 | Surround Yourself with Supportive People That Share Your Vision When life throws challenges at you, having supportive, positive people in your circle can help you be resilient and Steadfast. I am so grateful for the encouragement of my loved ones and friends who reminded me why I am on this path and how important it is. I truly believe in the strategies and principles of The Virtues Project™, and our little non-profit is geared at getting that message to the people who need it but can’t always afford the training. |
Trust the Process
Many great success stories include setbacks. A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Stephen Spielberg was rejected by the University of Southern California twice. Oprah Winfrey was told she was “unfit for TV.” R.H. Macy failed several times before finally starting a successful department store. Dr. Seuss’ first book was rejected by 27 publishers! It takes a great deal of faith, Steadfastness and dedication to persevere through repeated rejections, but it is part of the journey. To expect everything to go well all the time isn’t realistic and it also sets you up for failure. Remember that there are ups and downs (and sometimes sideways) steps to any path.
Many great success stories include setbacks. A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Stephen Spielberg was rejected by the University of Southern California twice. Oprah Winfrey was told she was “unfit for TV.” R.H. Macy failed several times before finally starting a successful department store. Dr. Seuss’ first book was rejected by 27 publishers! It takes a great deal of faith, Steadfastness and dedication to persevere through repeated rejections, but it is part of the journey. To expect everything to go well all the time isn’t realistic and it also sets you up for failure. Remember that there are ups and downs (and sometimes sideways) steps to any path.
Keep Faith with Your Vision
Part of Steadfastness is remaining true to your purpose and not being thrown off course by the tides of change or doubts. Connecting to your source or Higher Power can give you strength and sustain your Faith. When I take the time to honor my spirit by connecting to Grace I find reassurance for my journey. I know this is what I want to be doing. I believe the Virtues Circle can help bring the message of the Virtues to many people, and help them live happier, more meaningful lives. When I reconnect to my source of strength, I am reassured that whatever happens, I will have walked the path that matters to me. In that way, we are already a success.
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