However, what if you persist in the wrong direction? What are the signs that indicate it’s time to redirect efforts or call it a day?
Inspired this last month by a visiting nephew’s desire to work in an industry that he is passionate about, Formula One and the luxury car market, his perseverance to gain some experience has been impressive. There is a high-end car showroom and garage at the end of our road and all he wants to do is hang out there to listen, help with any odd jobs and clean the cars. The first time he went in he was met with eagerness yet, no call came. The second time he went in, he clarified he didn’t want payment simply exposure to the market and some experience which enticed a fresh response.
‘Ah well in that case definitely,’ said the co-owner ‘I’ll just run it by the other co-owner as to what days would be best.’ Still no call.
The third time he went in the owner said there wasn’t much going on so there was little point. Maybe the week after next there will be something, a few cars coming in and the activity that came with that. Yet no contact has been made yet. Unextinguished hope, with a dash of frustration, will propel a fourth visit.
My nickname is Bulldozer. Can you guess why?
A further source of inspiration this month was at our local Rugby Club. Richmond. Attending a taster session for girls, the recently appointed President of the RFU Deborah Griffin talked about the clubs history and the part of persistence from the women to include us as a gender in the game. The Women’s Rugby World Cup conversation started in our club house resulting in the 1991 first ever games in Wales with twelve countries, unsanctioned! What a journey it has been, to gain recognition, support and the status that sees the competition come to the UK in August with the final being held at Twickenham in September. To state that they have met with adversity is a complete understatement. Richmond Women’s first team player Zainab talked about her experience being the first hijab wearing woman to represent her club. She asked us, the participants of the session, this question.
‘My nickname is Bulldozer. Can you guess why? What does it conjure to you?
A few responses included; Front row (first line of the scrum), smashing through, strong tackling.
All correct answers Zainab confirmed however it was more pertinent to a combination of her on and off pitch presence. A mum of three, a neo natal nurse with the softest of hands is breaking barriers of perception and is instrumental in building a fresh modern culture. She organised a Muslim women in rugby event at Richmond last month which increased awareness of the sport to diverse beliefs including that whatever you need to wear, nothing can stop you from getting on that pitch with your teammates. There remains a long road ahead to achieve even a vaguely equal gender standing.
So how do you know whether persistence is futile or to keep persevering?
Some of the key alerts should be:
- Stagnation despite effort: You’re putting in time, energy, and heart, but there’s little to no progress. If you’re always busy but not getting closer to your goal, it might be time to reassess the approach—or the goal itself.
- Diminishing returns: You’re investing more and getting less back each time, not just in results but in emotional and physical well-being. That’s a signal your persistence might be feeding a dead end.
- Loss of joy or meaning: If what once motivated you now feels like a source of dread, and you’re only continuing out of habit, obligation, or fear of quitting, that’s worth exploring deeply.
- Opportunity cost: You’re turning down other promising paths because you’re locked into a pursuit that’s no longer fulfilling—or even viable.
- Feedback loops: If trusted mentors, peers, or even your own intuition are signaling that it’s time to pivot or pause, those voices shouldn’t be ignored.
In conclusion perseverance generally pays off by increasing your chances of success, building inner strength, and helping you and your business grow from setbacks. I often refer to water on this topic. Water will find a way to its destination no matter how often it changes path, or whether it starts to erode. Constant reflection, questioning and exploring the options are the human alternatives, and there is no one more equipped to aid that process than with a business mentor!
