It is easy when you are a pursuing a goal, starting a new fitness regime or looking to develop a new habit to give up when the going gets tough and the initial motivation wanes.

I wonder how many people across the world have given up on the New Year’s resolutions that they made just 6 weeks ago already.

Something worth having or achieving is rarely accomplished without effort, determination or some degree of sacrifice. There are many stories about people who have achieved great things and the difficulties that they had to overcome and, the setbacks they had to deal with.

I enjoy reading stories like that. They always give me energy and inspiration and the drive to persevere with my own goals and ambitions and to inspire others to fulfil their potential.

One such story relates to Abraham Lincoln the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865.

Lincoln led the United States through its Civil War and greatest moral, constitutional and political crisis. In doing so, he preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the economy. Lincoln has been consistently ranked both by scholars and the public as one of the three greatest U.S. presidents of all time.

One of Lincoln’s traits was that he never quit, born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.

Here is an outline of Lincoln’s road to the White House:

• 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

• 1818 His mother died.

• 1831 Failed in business.

• 1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.

• 1832 Lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.

• 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

• 1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.

• 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.

• 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

• 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.

• 1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.

• 1843 Ran for Congress – lost.

• 1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.

• 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.

• 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.

• 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.

• 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes.

• 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.

• 1860 Elected president of the United States

Thought for this week

If you are thinking of giving up on something why not give it another shot? If you know someone who is having a tough time, why not share this story with them and encourage them to persevere?

If you have been contemplating starting something new, why not take the first step this week?

This week’s quotation:

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” Napoleon Hill.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk