When you were a child, you were naturally persistent. If you wanted a cookie, everyone knew it, and they knew it for a long time. 

As we get older, we condition ourselves to be less selfish, exhibit self-control, and practice our manners, and persistence falls away as well. 

But if you’re going to be successful, you have to be a little bit selfish, and sometimes you have to be downright obnoxious about it. 

Here are 3 simple reminders of the truth you knew as a child that will help you succeed today…

• Be Loud

If you’re the kind of person who rarely says what you want, or whispers your intentions, it will be difficult for others to hear, much less help you. Practice cranking up your volume and declaring what you want. Speak your desires, confidently make decisions, and take charge.  Let your voice be heard.

• Be Persistent

Once you know what you want and you are willing to say it out loud…KEEP SAYING IT. This serves several purposes. First, it leaves no room for doubt about what you are about. Secondly, it leaves no room for others to distract or derail you. “I want a cookie.” “I WANT A COOKIE.” “I. WANT. A. COOKIE.” 

• Celebrate Your Failures

The kid in you knows that celebration lifts your spirits. While failure may be painful, it’s also rife with lessons, and those are worth celebrating. Plus if you look at the positive side of your losses, you’ll escape the incapacitation of shame. Shame stops your forward motion. The celebration keeps you going. 

Continued persistence can be difficult to maintain as you are nearing the finish line. But if you can embrace your inner child, find the fun in it, and keep your eye on the prize, and you can achieve those hopes, goals, and dreams that are part of your innate being.

How Can You Practice Childlike Persistence Today? Share with us in the comments.

But if you’re going to be successful, you have to be a little bit selfish, and sometimes you have to be downright obnoxious about it.