Rule #57 – Nothing Takes the Place of Persistence
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.” – Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonald’s
As I write this, we are in the 10th day of a nationwide shutdown caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. It has been a challenging time for families, businesses, and individuals — virtually no one is untouched by the impact of this pandemic. I’ve been thinking about what advice I could give my kids that would bring comfort and hope, and I keep coming back to one word: Persistence.
Persistence has been the common thread in every personal and professional success of my life. Early on, I realized I wasn’t the brightest, the best looking, or the most athletic. But I discovered something more valuable: I could outlast others. I could stay steady in the middle of chaos, keep moving when things got tough, and with practice, I learned to thrive in the storm.
It’s not the will to win that matters most — it’s the will to endure. Persistence is about pushing forward even when life is unfair, unpredictable, or painful. It’s the grit to expect adversity, face it head-on, and refuse to let it dictate your future.
Looking back, persistence is what carried us through every big leap — moving to North Carolina for a new job, starting over in Hawaii to earn a first Master’s degree, relocating to Ohio, Harrisburg, or St. Petersburg. Each move required grit. Each challenge tested us. And each time, you showed persistence and kept moving forward. That’s what matters. Because when we stop pushing ourselves, fear and discouragement creep in. But when we keep stepping forward — even one small step at a time — we find our way through.
This pandemic is another one of life’s adversities. No one can promise you won’t get sick, but I can promise this: you can handle whatever comes. Use this time wisely. If you’re under a stay-at-home order, clean, reorganize, read, plan, and prepare. Don’t think of this as a stop sign — it’s a green light to improve, adapt, and get ready for what’s ahead.
I’m not a conspiracy guy. The simplest answer is usually the right one: we have a nasty, highly contagious virus, and we need to do safe things. Stay home when possible, avoid crowds, wash your hands, and follow the rules. Be careful, be thoughtful, and respect the law — but through it all, keep moving.
This moment will pass. Soon, it will be just another story in your life, not a roadblock. So focus on persistence — in your work, your relationships, your growth. The best is yet to come, and you are on the right path.
COVID-19 doesn’t get the last word. Persistence does. Keep moving forward.
Love, Dad