Perseverance
"I persist toward my goals despite obstacles, discouragements, or disappointments."
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What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is sticking with things. It means being hardworking and finishing what is started, despite barriers and obstacles that arise. The pleasure received from completing tasks and projects is very important to those who are high in perseverance. Sometimes he or she must dig deep and muster the will to overcome thoughts of giving up. Perseverance involves organizing oneself to support activities (e.g., scheduling breaks and sticking to them, rewarding in small ways along the way), but when all else fails, this strength helps the person to barrel through until the project is done. This helps build further confidence for future successes and goal accomplishment. Perseverance involves the voluntary continuation of a goal-directed action despite the presence of challenges, difficulties, and discouragement. There are two vectors of perseverance. It requires both effort for a task and duration to keep the task up.
Perseverance is a strength within the virtue category of courage, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The other strengths in Courage are bravery, honesty, perseverance, and zest.
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Where does perseverance appear in your character strengths profile?
Research indicates perseverance helps to improve skills, talents, and resourcefulness as well as build other character strengths. Persistent people are often seen as people who follow through on commitments. This contributes building trust that can be a foundation for good relationships. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Perseverance
- Is perseverance the same as grit or resilience?
Perseverance, grit, and resilience are related but distinct concepts. Perseverance focuses on sustained effort and commitment toward a goal despite obstacles. Grit often includes perseverance but also emphasizes long-term passion. Resilience is more about how you bounce back after setbacks rather than pushing through them.
- Can I build my perseverance strength over time?
Yes. Like all 24 character strengths, perseverance can be developed with intentional effort. Strategies like breaking large goals into manageable steps, celebrating small wins, and using self-talk to stay motivated can help strengthen this trait.
- What does high perseverance look like in daily life?
People high in perseverance follow through on tasks even when they get tough. They’re the ones who finish what they start, stay focused despite distractions, and often gain satisfaction from completing difficult projects.
- Is too much perseverance ever a bad thing?
In some cases, yes. Overuse of perseverance can lead to burnout or stubbornness, especially if someone pushes forward on a goal that is no longer realistic or healthy. Balancing persistence with flexibility and self-care is key.
- How does perseverance help with relationships or work?
Perseverance supports trust and dependability. Others often see those high in this strength as reliable and committed, which can strengthen personal and professional relationships.
- How can I learn more about my own level of perseverance?
Taking the free VIA character strengths report is a great place to start. Your personalized profile will show where perseverance ranks among your 24 character strengths.
- What if perseverance is one of my lower strengths?
That’s okay! All strengths can be developed. If perseverance isn’t a top strength for you, consider pairing it with higher signature strengths, like the curiosity character strength or love of learning, to help you stay motivated on tasks and build follow-through.