
TENACITY AND STEADFASTNESS
Relentless in perseverence and determination toward a goal. Being unmovable or undeterred by difficulties and instead completely resolved to continue and not give up.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The love of God is steadfast, consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly pursuing, lavish, extravagant, and unrestrained. When we are grasped by His steadfast love, we are secure, not driven away or lost. Rather, we are lifted out and brought to new life. We, too, can be tenacious and steadfast.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.1 Corinthians 15:58
Skilled Characteristics
Perseveres
Refuses to give up, even in the face of great difficulties or obstacles
Stable
Resistent to change or emotional swings
Committed
Strongly pledged, committed, and dedicated to a vision or cause
Faith
Has a strong belief in the value and purpose of the cause; strongly believes that one is called to one’s specific work or ministry
Diligent
Hard working and persistent
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters in comparison to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Unskilled Characteristics
Fear
Prefers to avoid potential problems or not take on difficult tasks
Quits
Quits and gives up when things get difficult
Idleness
Does not put forth much effort when things are difficult, frustrating or uninteresting
Indecision
Is not willing to make a decision to act when a situation looks difficult
Indifference
Does not feel strongly committed to a vision, purpose or course of action
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
– Amelia Earhart
Causes of Weakness
Failure
Past failures can affect our confidence and strength
Fear
Fear of failure often keeps people from even trying to accomplish something difficult
Doubt
If you are not convinced of the value or importance of what you are doing, you will be much less motivated to complete it
Lack of Calling
If you are not absolutely sure that God has called you to something, you may lack the strength and resolve to continue when things get difficult
Priorities
If you have other goals or responsibilities that you feel are more important, then you will not be as tenacious about the responsibilities that are lower on your priority list
“If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through.”
– Chinese Proverb
Advice
Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.
Think Today
THINK TODAY: Reflect on what possibilities exist today to make a difference and to continue your forward momentum. Let those things motivate you to take action NOW.
Think Past
THINK PAST: Reflect on your past successes and the difference your actions have already made on people’s lives. Let those memories motivate you to take action today. Don’t let fear, doubt or frustration get in your way.
Think Future
THINK FUTURE: Consider the potential impact your vision and plans could have on people and the Kingdom in the future. Let those possibilities fill you with hope and anticipation. Decide right now to continue to take steps forward today to continue to do your best to see the future vision accomplished. It is possible!
Model It
MODEL IT: If you want to see more tenacity and steadfastness in your staff, the best way to do so is to model it in yourself. You can talk about it all you like, but the people around you will be the most impacted when they see and experience you being tenacious and steadfast, pushing forward and never giving up. Your actions can inspire others to do the same.
Be Accountable
BE ACCOUNTABLE: Find a coach or an accountability partner. Tell that person what you are committing to do or accomplish, and ask them to follow-up with you about it every time you talk with them. Regularly talking to others about your plans and commitments can serve as a powerful motivator to not give up.
Celebrate
CELEBRATE: Make sure to celebrate both large and small victories and accomplishments – both personally and as a team. Reflecting on, acknowledging and celebrating successes motivates you and others to continue pushing forward, despite challenges and setbacks along the way.
Ask God
ASK GOD: Pray and ask God to give you clear vision and direction. The more convinced you are that God has called you to something, the easier it will be for you to stand firmly and persevere, even when times are tough.