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The Power of Persistence: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

The Power of Persistence: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Unyielding determination: where every challenge becomes a stepping stone to success.

Anne McGinty
August 28, 2024

Welcome to Time to Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond. In each newsletter, we'll dive into episode insights, personal growth, skill enhancement, and positivity.

The Power of Persistence: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Persistence is a defining trait of successful entrepreneurs, and it's a theme that resonates deeply in this week's episode. True progress requires commitment, even when the results aren't immediate.

When I was a junior in high school, I got a C in English. Writing and crafting storylines into a coherent, well-flowing format felt impossible. I was a daydreamer, and while I’ve never been formally diagnosed, friends have said for years, 'Annie, you’ve got A.D.D.' If the weather was beautiful, I couldn’t focus. If my surroundings were messy, I couldn’t focus. And for the life of me, my Wordly Wise reading comprehension was shockingly 'creative.' The reading passage would say:

‘Ella went to the park.’

The question would ask: ‘What did Ella do?’

A) Go to the park
B) Go for a walk
C) Run to the park
D) Walk to the park with a lunch bag filled with apples, a sandwich, and juice.

And what would I pick without fail? Answer D.

Over and over again, I rationalized, 'Well, if Ella went to the park, she’d probably want something to eat and drink, so that makes the most sense.'

While my older siblings could write multi-page papers the same morning they were due and get A’s, I’d stay after class with my English teacher, doing revision after revision, week after week. Eventually, my grade went from a C to a B-, then to a B, and finally, I earned a B+ on my report card.

Despite the struggle, I’ve always dreamed of getting the words, stories, and inspirational lessons out of my head and onto paper. But writing doesn’t come 'naturally' to me—it’s hard work!

In my 20s, I decided to apply to the UC Berkeley School of Journalism to get my Master’s in Journalism, partly to challenge myself and see if I could get in. I spent two years gaining writing experience, journaling, and building a resume that I hoped would be worthy enough. And I got in!

Whether it was raising my grade in English or earning a spot at UC Berkeley's School of Journalism, I’ve learned that persistence isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about believing in your potential, your ability to learn, and your capacity to improve.

This Week’s Episode Highlight:

Jak Wonderly - Becoming a National Geographic Photographer

Click to listen to full episode

Jak became an award-winning National Geographic photographer using the power of persistence, networking, and passion.

Here are three key takeaways:

Persistence Pays Off: Success in photography requires determination and hard work. Jak shared how he sent images to National Geographic every month for a year and a half, entered various competitions, and finally had his images chosen. Don’t give up—persistence is key.
Client Retention is Gold: Once you have a client, do everything you can to retain them. Deliver high-quality work, always be on time, and focus on maintaining strong relationships. Good client retention reduces marketing costs and generates regular revenue.
Find Experienced Mentors: Learn from those who are doing what you aspire to do by offering your assistance. Be patient, persistent, and open to learning from all experiences, even the challenging ones.

Strategy Spotlight:
Leveraging local opportunities to build a strong foundation:
Start by identifying local organizations that align with your interests, offer your skills (even if for free, at first, to establish a reputation), and begin building those crucial relationships. Remember, persistence and networking are the keys to long-term success.

Positivity Corner:
Celebrate your wins, no matter the size
Remind yourself that every challenge is a step forward, not a setback. Whether you're facing a tough project or navigating a difficult decision, trust that each experience is shaping you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Embrace the process, knowing that growth often comes from the most unexpected places. Celebrate the progress you're making, no matter how small it may seem, and THAT will bring more wins your way.

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Thank you for being a part of Time To Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond! As always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

✨✨✨✨✨✨We Want Your Ideas!✨✨✨✨✨✨

For Season 2, I’m considering introducing themed series! While Season 2 won’t drop until Jan 2025, I have ideas brewing!

What topics inspire you? Which stories are the most insightful? What was missing from Season 1?

Let me know by sending me a message!

Last Week’s Episode Highlight:

Interview with Naomi Crawford

Naomi is truly inspirational in how she thinks, lives, and works. For the past seven years, she has consciously chosen not to give herself a raise, believing she earns enough to live the life she desires. Instead, as her business has grown and profits have increased, she has reinvested in the future by regularly raising her team’s salaries, all while staying true to her mission to 'build a thriving community.' Her North Star remains unwavering, and when she says “I get to go to work, I don’t have to go to work,” she means it.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'