One of the most admirable characteristics a person can possess is persistence. Without persistence, no great achievement is possible. Everyone can set goals and make plans for success; however, only a few succeed in achieving their goals. Developing persistence is a way to ensure that you will reach your goals and achieve success. Here are four practical ways that you can become more persistent and accomplish your goals.

Identify What You Want

Before you can begin to develop your persistence, you have to know what it is you want in your life. Take some time to think about what you want and write down your answers on a sheet of paper. Really think about how you would like your life to be and what you need to do to get there. Write everything down, no matter how big or small the goal.

Figure Out Your Motivation

To build persistence for accomplishing your goals, you have to have motivation. If you know the deep-down, the reason for doing what you’re doing you will have more energy to keep moving forward toward your goals. Figuring out what is motivating you is a fundamental aspect of becoming more persistent.

Outline Your Plan

When you’ve identified what you want and have figured out your motivation for achieving your goals, you need to develop a plan for how to achieve the success that you desire. Creating an outline of your plan, that includes specific action steps, will help you know how you will be able to achieve your goals. When you know the steps it will take to get what you want, reaching your goals will become easier. Be specific and detailed in each step and identify at least two ways that you can ultimately achieve your goals.

Shift Your Mindset

The road to success is never easy. In fact, you will face numerous roadblocks and challenges along the way. Everyone, from time to time, can get stuck in a negative mindset, succumbing to the negative thoughts and fear of failure. To develop persistence, however, you have to work to maintain a positive mental attitude, regardless of the situation. Strive to keep your thoughts focused on continually taking action toward your goals and try to avoid the negative thoughts and emotions that can destroy your focus and persistence.

Accomplishing your goals and achieving success isn’t an easy path to follow. You will run into countless obstacles and face numerous challenges, but with the right plan in place and enough persistence, you’ll realize your dreams in no time.