Take Your Own “Persistence Inventory.”
This is an EXACT EXCERPT from Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich.”
Before leaving the subject of persistence, take inventory of yourself, and determine in what particular, if any, you are lacking in this essential quality. Measure yourself courageously, point by point, and see how many of the eight factors of persistence you lack. The analysis may lead to discoveries that will give you a new grip on yourself.
Here you will find the real enemies which stand between you and noteworthy achievement. Here you will find not only the “symptoms” indicating the weakness of persistence, but also the deeply seated subconscious causes of the weakness. Study the list carefully, and face yourself squarely if you really wish to know who you are, and what you are capable of doing. These are the weaknesses which must be mastered by all who accumulate riches:
- Failure to recognize and to define clearly exactly what one wants.
- Procrastination, with our without cause. (Usually backed up with a formidable array of alibis and excuses.)
- Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge.
- Indecision, the habit of “passing the buck” on all occasions, instead of facing issues squarely. (Also backed by alibis).
- The habit of relying upon alibis instead of creating definite plans for the solution of problems.
- Self-satisfaction. There is but little remedy for this affliction, and no hope for those who suffer from it.
- Indifference, usually reflected in one’s readiness to compromise on all occasions, rather than meet opposition and fight it.
- The habit of blaming others for one’s mistakes, and accepting unfavorable circumstances as being unavoidable.
- Weakness of desire, due to neglect in the choice of motives that impel action.
- Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat. (Based upon one or more of the six basic fears.)
- Lack of organized plans, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.
- The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp opportunity when it presents itself.
- Wishing instead of willing.
- The habit of compromising with poverty instead of aiming at riches. General absence of ambition to be, to do, to own.
- Searching for all the short-cuts to riches, trying to get without giving a fair equivalent, usually reflected in the habit of gambling, endeavoring to drive “sharp” bargains.
- Fear of criticism, failure to create plans and to put them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or say. This enemy belongs at the head of the list, because it generally exists in one’s subconscious mind, where is presence is not recognized.
I hope this inventory helps you – it was one of my guiding lights as I began my selling career. Please go get the book and add it to your library of READ books.
