Are you stubborn? While some believe stubbornness is undesirable, others know the trait has awesome power. Here are some ways stubbornness helps or hurts.
“Athletes have a certain stubbornness that carries us through and makes us do things that people say we can’t do.” – Kim Clijsters
Being Stubborn Keeps You Going
Sometimes, being stubborn is the only thing that keeps you going. This is especially true:
- When the going gets rough
- You lack resources or allies
- Time is short
- Your nerves and energy are spent
- And it looks incredibly bleak for a favorable outcome
Call it drawing on an inner wellspring or stubbornness. If you need a push to keep moving forward, this trait can be a good thing.
But Being Stubborn Can Help with Goals
Think about all your goals. Now, think of what it will take to succeed in each. You’ll be able to achieve some goals effortlessly without much time, effort, or resources required.
Other goals, however, will call upon everything you have and then some. Still, the desired outcome may seem elusive, if even possible. Being stubborn here can alter that outcome – but only if you proceed with a plan to accompany your determination.
Caution May Be Warranted
Stubbornness is not a good thing when you mindlessly push forward despite the vehement objections of others, especially those with a sound basis.
- Suppose you are told you cannot proceed on a project because it was assigned to another worker. You start it anyway. That’s stubbornness that will get you into trouble.
- Even if you have a better idea and can accomplish the task or project quickly and without errors, your holding back injects you into someone else’s responsibility. That’s not a good thing at all.
Where Stubbornness Is a Good Thing
On the other hand, let’s say you want to quit smoking. Others say you can’t quit the habit because you’ve been a lifelong smoker. However, this is an essential goal for you, and you are determined to quit smoking.
- Besides, this trait can help you through the tough times when the nicotine cravings strike, and you feel like giving in.
- With the help and encouragement of those who do support your efforts, along with your innate reluctance, you will be able to be successful.
Remember: There’s Power Here
Bear in mind what’s important:
- You don’t need to be an athlete to go beyond your current endurance or limits, test the boundaries that may be self-imposed, and overcome hurdles that stand in the way of your goals.
- Be a little stubborn. It just may allow you to snatch the victory you so desire.
How This Helped Me
We’ve all experienced situations where this felt the right thing to do. Sometimes, it’s the only wise choice. I once resisted advice to forget about buying a Chevrolet Camaro because I was told, “It’s too much car for you.” Guess what? I purchased the car and loved everything about it.
Another time, my demanding boss discouraged me from continuing my education. “Why do you want to get a degree?” he said. “You’ll never make it to management.” I not only got my degree, I went on to get another one. And I did make it to senior management (exceeding his level by several).
Yet it wasn’t competitiveness, jealousy, or meanness that motivated me in these two instances or many others. I wanted to achieve certain goals and life experiences. Nothing was going to stop me.
I call this incredible power. You can be stubborn and make it your friend. So, call on your inner ability when it serves you well.
