Persistence is more than just grit or determination — it’s a mindset, a skill and one of the most powerful drivers of self-confidence. In a world obsessed with instant results, persistence is often overlooked. But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come from comfort — it comes from showing up, failing, learning and trying again.
Persistence is what separates people who dream from those who achieve. And if you want a confident, successful, self-directed life, persistence has to be part of your foundation.
Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.
It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.
I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.
This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.
You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.
You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com
Visit the site and read through the program description.
If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance
Below, we’ll go deeper than the usual motivational talk and explore the real, lasting benefits of practising persistence, with practical insights for building a resilient, confident mindset.
1. You Build Expertise Through Repetition
Nobody is naturally great at everything. But if you do something enough times — fail, learn, refine, repeat — you’ll get better. That’s how expertise is built.
The first time you do something, it may feel clumsy. But that awkwardness isn’t a sign to quit; it’s a sign that you’re growing. Persistence turns beginners into masters. And mastery builds confidence like nothing else.
Skill grows from consistency, not talent.
2. Persistence Strengthens Motivation
Progress is fuel. Each time you push through a challenge, you build momentum. You get one step closer. That feedback loop keeps you going.
The key is to focus on small wins. Every time you persist, even in the face of discomfort, your belief in your ability to succeed grows.
3. It’s a Clear Marker of Ambition
People who are truly committed to growth are persistent. They don’t just talk about goals — they keep showing up for them.
Ambition without persistence is just wishful thinking. But when you’re persistent, you prove to yourself (and others) that you’re serious. The most confident people aren’t the loudest — they’re the ones who’ve failed and kept going.
4. You Set a Powerful Example
Persistence is contagious. Whether at work, at home or with friends, others are watching how you respond to challenges.
When you show resilience, you inspire others to step up too. Confidence is often modelled before it’s internalized. Be the example you wish you had.
5. You Learn What Success Really Takes
Success isn’t accidental. It’s built on effort, failure, adjustment and persistence. When you go through that process yourself, you understand the value behind achievement.
This makes your wins feel earned, not lucky. That sense of earned confidence can’t be taken away. It becomes part of who you are.
6. You Gain Real-World Experience
Every time you persist, you gather experience. Each challenge teaches you something: how to adapt, where you went wrong and what to try next.
This kind of experiential learning is what makes you resourceful — and that makes you confident. Knowing you can handle what life throws at you is one of the strongest forms of self-belief.
7. You Uncover and Improve Your Weaknesses
Persistence forces you to confront where you’re falling short. That can be uncomfortable — but it’s essential.
When you understand your own limits, you can work on them. Instead of hiding from failure, you learn from it. That reflection creates growth. And growth creates confidence.
8. Others Learn to Trust Your Consistency
People notice patterns. They pay attention to who shows up, who follows through and who quits.
Being persistent tells others they can count on you. That matters — in relationships, careers and leadership. Your consistency earns trust, and trust is a cornerstone of confidence, both in yourself and from others.
9. You Learn the Difference Between Easy and Meaningful
Quick wins are rarely satisfying. But when you’ve worked for something — when you’ve stayed the course through challenges — the payoff means more.
Persistent effort gives life meaning. It’s not just about achieving goals, it’s about becoming the kind of person who doesn’t quit. And that identity fuels deep, grounded confidence.
10. You Create the Life You Actually Want
This is the biggest reason to practice persistence: it puts you in control of your life.
Setbacks stop being dead ends. Instead, they become detours. You stop waiting for the perfect moment or perfect conditions and start building your life from where you are.
Persistent people don’t wait for confidence. They build it — through action, failure, learning and trying again.
Practical Ways to Strengthen Persistence
Persistence isn’t something you either have or don’t — it’s a muscle. Here’s how to train it:
- Break big goals into small actions. This reduces overwhelm and keeps progress visible.
- Track your efforts, not just outcomes. This helps you stay focused on what you can control.
- Embrace failure as feedback. Don’t make it personal — make it useful.
- Build routines. Habits reduce friction. Consistency becomes automatic.
- Rest strategically. Persistence doesn’t mean burnout. Take breaks, reset and return stronger.
- Surround yourself with resilient people. Environment influences mindset. Be around those who keep going.
Final Thoughts
Persistence is the backbone of confidence. It teaches you who you are, what you’re capable of and how to respond when things don’t go your way.
If you want to build real, grounded confidence — not the fake-it-‘til-you-make-it kind — you need to build persistence.
Show up. Keep going. Get better. And watch your confidence rise.
To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.
Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.
Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.
Nothing happens until action is taken.
To your success.
Michael
P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance
P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching
P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.
P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com
