I’m a big believer in the value of persistence. Most of the really successful people I know are persistent. Tony Maddaluna, a good friend and client – and a very successful leader has this quote displayed prominently in his office.
- “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”. Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States
Yesterday, I saw a real life example of persistence in action…
Persistence in Action
Morgan McIlwain is my niece. She is a recent (2005) graduate of Florida State University. Her major was Fashion Merchandising. Morgan and her family live in Jacksonville FL; home of Stein Mart, a well known upscale, off-price specialty store chain.
Morgan set a goal of working as a buyer for Stein Mart when she was a college sophomore. When she graduated last spring, there were no openings, so she took a job with the Belk Department Store chain – but she kept in touch with the folks at Stein Mart.
Some positions opened up at Stein Mart earlier this year. Morgan had interviews for three different jobs. She finished a close second on all three. When I saw her in May, she was pretty disappointed. But, she said that she really wanted to work for Stein Mart and would stay in touch with them.
Yesterday, I got an e mail from Morgan that said. “I got a job at Stein Mart. I am very excited! I will be the assistant buyer for missy moderate sportswear. I will be starting there on July 5th.” Good for you, Morgan.
I collect fortune cookie advice. I find that it is often filled with common sense. I was looking at my list of fortune cookie nuggets the other day. These two pieces of wisdom were right next to each other in my list.
- Ambition knows no obstacles.
- Do not become complacent over any success.
Both apply to Morgan. Congratulations and good luck in your new job. Congratulations on your ambition and persistence in following your dreams. Now, go out there and show those folks at Stein Mart what you can do.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website, www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense life and career advice.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
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