
Perseverance
Sticking with it — even when it’s hard, boring, or doesn’t go your way.
Why It Matters
Success doesn’t usually come easy or fast.
Perseverance helps you keep going when others quit—and that’s where growth happens.
How You Know You’ve Got It
You finish what you start (even if it takes longer)
You bounce back from setbacks
You try again when things don’t work the first time
How To Level Up
Say: “Help me understand your side” before jumping in
Pause when you're heated—breathe before you speak
Look for common ground, not just who's right
Where This Shows Up Later
-
College
Classes get harder, and so do time demands
-
Sports
Improvement takes reps, not shortcuts
-
Careers
Projects, setbacks, and long-term goals
-
Creative Work
Most great ideas come after version 12, not version 1
Famous People Who Flex This Skill
-
Stephen Curry
Overlooked early in his career, now one of the greatest
-
Lindsey Stirling
Mixed violin + dance + YouTube, kept going despite early rejection
-
Katherine Johnson
NASA mathematician who solved problems others couldn’t, through focus and grit