Training your perseverance? We can learn a lot from the ancient Vikings and our own Strong Vikings! Perseverance is an essential trait, especially when participating in a challenging obstacle run like Strong Viking. Whether you’re training for a marathon, taking a leap into an ice bath, or pushing yourself to your physical and mental limits, perseverance is the key to keeping going, even when it gets tough.
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But what if you find yourself giving up more quickly than you’d like? The good news is that perseverance can be trained! In this article, you’ll discover what perseverance really means, why it’s so important, and get practical tips to strengthen your perseverance.
Table of Contents
What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is about continuing to push forward, even when it gets tough. It means not giving up in the face of setbacks and patiently working toward your goals.
Characteristics of perseverance:
- Determination: Staying focused on your goal.
- Resilience: Learning from setbacks.
- Discipline: Continuing, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Patience: Accepting that things take time.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius
The Difference Between Perseverance, Motivation, and Willpower
The terms perseverance, motivation, and willpower are often used interchangeably, as if they mean the same thing. While they are closely connected, it’s important to understand the differences between them.
- Willpower: This is the strength to make short-term decisions that help you reach your goals. Think of dragging yourself out of bed for an early workout or saying no when your mom offers you a second slice of cake. Willpower is often a reaction to an immediate challenge.
- Perseverance: This is the ability to remain consistent over the long term, even when results are disappointing or circumstances become difficult. It’s the trait that allows you to stay committed to a goal for months or even years.
- Motivation: This is the reason you want to do something. It provides the energy to get started and a purpose to strive toward. Motivation can be intrinsic, like a personal dream, or extrinsic, like a reward. It helps you begin and gives meaning to your efforts.
To put it simply: Motivation gives you the reason to start, willpower helps you take the first step, and perseverance ensures you reach the finish line.
Train Your Perseverance: 9 Tips That Work!
Many people believe they’re just not “made” to persevere, but that’s a complete misconception. Perseverance isn’t a talent you either have or don’t have—it’s something you can develop. Even the Vikings weren’t born fearless warriors—they learned through fighting, overcoming, and growing. You can do the same!
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1. Do it, even when you don’t feel like it
It’s okay not to feel motivated! But make a promise to yourself to just start, even if it’s only for a few minutes. It’s not about perfection but about continuing, even when your motivation takes a break.
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2. Accept that it won’t always be easy
Don’t be discouraged when things get tough. Perseverance comes from accepting that challenges are part of the process. It’s about continuing, no matter what obstacles you face.
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3. Take small steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming. By taking small steps, you make it easier to stay on track. Celebrating small victories is far more motivating than getting lost in one massive challenge!
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4. Be flexible in your approach
Not everything will go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine! If one method doesn’t work, find another solution. Perseverance isn’t about clinging to the same strategy but about continuing to find ways to reach your goal.
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5. Make it part of your routine
Perseverance comes from repetition. Turn your goal into a habit. When you do it every day, it becomes easier and requires less energy to stick with, even on the days when you don’t feel like working out.
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6. Leave excuses behind
Every time you make an excuse not to persevere, you miss an opportunity to develop your persistence. Stop making excuses and keep going, no matter how small the step is.
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7. Learn to handle setbacks
Setbacks aren’t the end of the world—they’re an opportunity to grow stronger! Learn to overcome obstacles without giving up. Every setback is a chance to build your perseverance further.
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8. Stick to a schedule
A little structure can work wonders! Following a schedule, like the obstacle run training plan, makes it easier to stay consistent, even when you’re not in the mood. Committing to a plan helps you stay in motion.
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9. Stay focused on the bigger goal
When things get tough, remind yourself why you started in the first place. Focus on your bigger goal or reward. This can help you push through when motivation isn’t readily available.
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Perseverance is a skill you can train, and with these tips, you’re on the right track to becoming stronger every day. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Perseverance & Strong Viking
If you’re looking to truly test your perseverance, participating in a Strong Viking Obstacle Run is the ultimate challenge. This demanding event pushes both your physical and mental limits, offering various distances and obstacles to suit every level. Whether you opt for the 4 km Family Edition or the 42 km Iron Viking, each step brings you closer to your boundaries and helps you surpass them. So, lace up your obstacle run shoes, gather your courage, and experience firsthand what it means to be a true Viking!