"Victory belongs to the most persevering." Napoleon
by Dwight Edwards
His entire life was a testimony to the power of relentless persistence. Born in the backwoods of Kentucky, deprived of any significant schooling; he made his mark on American history through hard work, a quick wit, keen intellect, and most of all - dogged, never say die, determination. He suffered considerably more political defeats than victories, battled many bouts of deep depression, was ridiculed by opponents in both the North and South, and never saw the real fruit of his labor. Yet history has more than vindicated Abraham Lincoln and this nation owes an incalculable debt to the president who refused to play safe or throw in the towel.
One of the things I admire most about President Lincoln is the way he handled what I like to call "the one-two punch of criticism and unappreciation". Two of the toughest blows to endure for any of us are those of unfair criticism and unappreciated faithfulness. Few things take the wind out of one's sails like being criticized, often cruelly, by those who don't know all the facts. Worse, they often don't want to know all the facts. Add to this the seemingly wholesale lack of appreciation for the many good works one quietly makes while out of the view of others, and it is enough to send even the most resilient packing. Whether it be the school teacher accosted by an angry, uninformed parent; the businessman raked across the coals by his boss, or the mother doing her best with children who only seem to complain; unfair criticism and unappreciated faithfulness can quickly leave our souls punch drunk and ready to throw in the towel.
Lincoln faced these two blows frequently and often fiercely. Somehow he made it past them. Concerning unappreciated faithfulness he wrote, "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition." When questioned about his reaction to criticism he responded, "If I care to listen to every criticism, let alone act on them, then this shop may as well be closed for business. I have learned to do my best..." But what he described as the secret to success was the power of relentless persistence. "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing." How fortunate we are that one of the most unappreciated, hotly criticized leaders of his day refused to go down for the count when battered by these two powerful punches. His relentless persistence won the day. So will yours.
Dwight Edwards is a best selling author and widely sought speaker. For information about his speaking availibility contact MVP Seminars
