Press On!

No talent? How about genius? Not so much? Education? Some? No worries.

Got persistence and determination? Then you’re in good shape.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

— Calvin Coolidge

The quote carries such weight that John has it taped to his wall.

Which is nice because talent, genius and education are all so much harder to obtain.

Right? Anyone? Hmm. Or, uh, are they?

Is it all as simple as the tortoise and the hare? Can I add another word? How about one that’s related and even a part of it, but I find even harder. Cuz persistence and determination I have, in fact, I have oodles. Oodles? Is that like noodles? I’m hungry. Oh wait, related word, related to wanting noodles:

Patience

Mr. Coolidge’s PR folks probably wouldn’t want to amend his quote. Maybe you’re not supposed to do that after someone has passed away anyway. And maybe it’s already assumed that patience is just a part of it. But is it? I have persistence! I have determination! But maybe the question is how long you can keep that going–and that’s where I see patience coming in.

In some ways I’m the most patient person I know. But it’s being patient about the things that you really want where it gets a little dicey.

Is he patient for his next meal? Unless it’s on my leash, he’s going to have to wait a little longer.