Tenacity can sometimes come across as desperation to those who witness your efforts to accomplish your greatest goals. The difference between being tenacious and being desperate is confidence vs. compromise. The two often look identical, but with a closer eye it is evident that while they share the same source they are clearly fraternal.
When you’re desperate you compromise who you are and the sacrifices that you make are often foolish and unprofitable. You do things that will only temporarily satisfy and very seldom turn out good in the end. Desperation can lead you in the path of destruction and end in your demise, much like the unsuspecting moth drawn to the flame.
When you’re tenacious you will stand in the face of a challenge with an “all or nothing” approach, confidently prepared to fail. *Record scratches* FAIL?!?!? Yes, FAIL! Tenacity is the instinct that causes you to approach the edge of impossible, fearlessly step off the ledge, and all the while saying “if I perish, I perish”. Tenacity is the energy drink of perseverance that keeps you awake at night; the Kleenex of hope that wipe your tears of frustration; and the Band-Aid of faith that covers the wounds of discouragement.
When you’re tenacious you will stand in the face of a challenge with an “all or nothing” approach, confidently prepared to fail. *Record scratches* FAIL?!?!? Yes, FAIL! Tenacity is the instinct that causes you to approach the edge of impossible, fearlessly step off the ledge, and all the while saying “if I perish, I perish”. Tenacity is the energy drink of perseverance that keeps you awake at night; the Kleenex of hope that wipe your tears of frustration; and the Band-Aid of faith that covers the wounds of discouragement.
When you are desperate you operate in fear and you settle for what is “good enough”. You are always in survival mode and there is no pleasure in your pursuit. Focus escapes you. And in the name of passion you become a predator to your goal, ultimately ambushing your purpose, and sabotaging your success. When you are desperate it is sensed by those around you giving them the subconscious “green light” to take advantage of you.
When you are tenacious you are fearless... and bold…and ready! You don’t settle for less than you KNOW you can have, you approach every opportunity with a “Can Do” attitude, and you leave everyone wondering “where did they come from”. When you are tenacious you act in faith with confidence that your “gift” will make room for you and bring greatness to you. But do not get it twisted, the “bull dog” mentality that comes along with tenacity can often result in you moving too quickly and having to pull at your reigns.
Here’s the deal breaker…you have to learn how to possess a healthy balance of both…you have to be desperately tenacious. This is when you are focused on your goal and will stop at nothing to accomplish it; you take calculated risks with the understanding that “; you are humble enough to be open to any opportunity that comes your way, but confident enough to say NO to those without promise; and you rise up to meet every challenge, embracing the lessons in your mistakes, and leave the mark of a quiet storm that no one ever saw coming.
The opportunities that I have had thus far have been great! I have gone after every one of them with a relentless determination, for I am desperate to live out my potential. I have sacrificed greatly for some of the opportunities, so much so that I have even given myself the ‘side eye’ at times…but I am tenacious in my pursuit. I refuse to give up! I have met MANY challenges…but I know if I don’t quit, I’ll win. I have not been too good for any role, because sometimes your breakthrough moment comes in cleaning up someone else’s mess. God has allowed me to connect with some of the greatest in the game and for this I am both grateful and humbled. I am even more grateful for those He has placed along the path to help keep me going: those who doubt that I am going to succeed and those who won’t let me give up; those who scoff at my efforts and those who help me up when things don’t go so right…after all, He did say let the wheat and the tare grow together.
