Persistence is one reason problems persist. More specifically, persisting in behaviors that don’t work, is one reason problems persist. Smart, motivated people, do this all the time.
Persistence has a dark side.
How long have you been frustrated with a boss, employee, process, or program? Congratulations for sticking with it. However…
Persistent frustration over the same problem means you’re persistently doing things that don’t work.
7 ways to adapt rather than persist:
- Congratulate yourself on having persistence, but give yourself permission to change strategies.
- Try something that feels wrong. You’ve already tried things that feel right. Did they work? Get advice from someone you trust. When a trusted adviser says something you want to dismiss, do that.
- Focus your energy on areas of greatest impact. Don’t get sucked into a black hole. If you can’t make a difference in one area, make a difference somewhere else.
- Remove roadblocks. If there is one person on the team who consistently blocks progress, remove them. Compassion is foolish when it allows pain that serves no purpose to persist.
- Let it go. Either accept or escape things that aren’t likely to change. It may feel like failure, but it’s wisdom.
- Work on yourself. Become the person you want others to be. How might the very qualities you want from a problem employee or boss be qualities that will take you far?
- Choose happiness. Unhappiness drains your energy. All the problems you face are opportunities to make a difference.
You’re smart, not a quitter, when you keep the same goal but adapt strategies that aren’t working.
When persistence might be a problem, ask:
- How might frustration be healthy? Distracting?
- What type of gains are acceptable?
- How are you changing or stuck as a person?
- Who might have a new perspective?
- What new person needs to join the battle?
How would you help someone see when it’s time to adapt rather than persist?