Dedication and the Way of Perseverance
In The MagLife Blog article titled “Dedication,” author and defensive tactics subject matter expert Steve Tarani says, “Success is commonly and rightfully attributed to dedication.” While a parallel word for dedication is commitment, a stronger one is the word perseverance.
“…perseverance [produces] character and character, hope.” Romans 5:4
Tarani suggests the characteristics of perspective, mental engagement, and prowess are three approaches that hone dedication (or perseverance) in a person’s life.
“…run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” Hebrews 12:1
Perspective
Perseverance flows forth from the passion or inspiration you have; not from merely an obligation you feel pressured into. The more powerful the motivation you have, the greater your dedication. And motivation begins with a crystal clear, and achievable, goal. The better the vision of what it is you want to achieve, the stronger your reach for what you can clearly see.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4
Mental Engagement
“Deliberate practice requires deliberate effort. Such effort must be carefully thought out in advance. To be mentally engaged is the mind power behind dedication. Often referred to as ‘being mindful’…each task should be done consciously and intentionally with careful consideration…. Mental toughness means that you are willing to accept failure, be criticized by others and all the while continue to be empowered by your dedication.” Be mentally committed to your task or purpose.
“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7
Prowess
“Do you have the mental fortitude to go that extra mile, and do what it takes to meet or exceed the standard? To go above and beyond? What exactly does it take to land that skill or objective? How can dedication be defined in terms of performance or accomplishment? Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Perfect practice improves performance.”
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