Is persistence in all circumstances a good trait?

Question

So I know, this is long, but… thanks to those who respond =/

So I just graduated high school. One of the things I’ve really learned, though, is the importance of never giving up. Perseverance. I’ve seen how not giving up on an assignment, a term paper or something at work can really pay off. I led Stage Crew at my high school, and I never gave up on a task – that paid off very well. Given, a lot of the time I would wind up having to do things by myself for hours to accomplish something, but things got done. After I graduated this June, though, either I’m ‘reverting back’ and getting lazy, or I’m beginning to question the validity to that – the value in perseverance.

Admittedly, I am really timid when it comes to people, so maybe that’s why. Basically, whenever it comes to situations involving people – wanting a friend to do well in school? Wanting to get t-shirts for everyone in a school club? Wanting to help create an event within a group? It seems like perseverance in these situations is just, well… different. If you want a friend to do well in school and keep trying to help them, they might get mad – the more you try the more you annoy them, and therefore you can’t keep trying to change someone. Wanting to get t-shirts for a school club? Suppose everyone else doesn’t put in any effort. People say they want this and that designed on the t-shirt otherwise they don’t want one, and never help you. What’s the point of perseverance in that kind of circumstance? And what if you want to create some sort of event within a group – some kind of meet up, perhaps? What if no one else really helps, or seems motivated? What’s the point of perseverance then?

I mean, one side of me feels like you just have to keep trying, nonetheless. If kids don’t want to help with the t-shirts, well, hey – if you want to get t-shirts for the group you need to motivate the kids to help. Maybe that’s my problem – I’m just not a motivator. But at the same time, my other side tells me that maybe it’s just different when you add in people to the equation. Staying till 11PM at night in your school’s auditorium to ensure the success of a show is one thing – getting t-shirts is another. What needs to get done needs to be done; if people don’t want t-shirts, though, that’s their problem. I don’t know… the more I think like that, though, the more I just want to give up on everything. What seems correct? Perseverance in all circumstances, or only in select circumstances? If only in select circumstances, how do you determine which circumstances perseverance is best in?

Answer 1

Adagio98 has nailed it.



If there's a new product ready for launch, you need to test the market to find out if anybody actually wants the product. Not by selling it but by asking if the product will be of use to your prospective customer. You T-shirt is typical of this.



I admire your verve and enthusiasm but you have to decide where the persistent salesman stops. Perseverance is a magical property when used as a tool to complete a useful task or to circumvent a nagging problem but it is very easy to get into the realms of obsession.



As far as helping your fellow graduates: Offer only. If they answer in the negative then it is their choice. Your interference might be taken as an infringement of their right to turn something down. Accept with grace and a smile.

Answer 2

Before launching into any project, ASK the others who will be interested and want to help if necessary. That way you introduce the new project without any pressure on them to accept, and that seems fair. It's commendable that you put in so much effort to get something done and stay up so late. In such a case you are relying on yourself and not imposing on anyone else. Also, think of costs; some people might want T-shirts but can't really afford them. Try to see all the angles first.



If you want motivation, try doing things like donating to charity. Helping others becomes an important cause that most can relate to.



My two cents.

Answer 3

You have persisted in writing a very persuasive viewpoint with many sentences. Impressive. However, someone older and more experienced will always prove you wrong in your opinion. Persistence is measured in time and years, not beating your head against a tree. Persistence equals time, not logic.

Answer 4

Not with telemarketers. Americans get an average of 20 phone calls from telemarketers everyday. That is an "annoying" kind of persistence.