Stubbornness: Can it be a Good Thing?

By: S.C. Ali

Founder/Author

When we use the term stubbornness, we often use it in a negative context. According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition is, “unreasonably or perversely unyielding” or “justifiably unyielding.” I was speaking to a family member recently, and they told me that stubbornness doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad quality. I pondered on this matter for a while, and realized something quite profound.

Based on the definition provided, it could be used in a positive way. Some of the most successful people in history have had a channeled stubbornness about them that drove them to achieve their goals. As a matter of fact, there are modern day examples of people (such as Warren Buffet) who are fixed in their ways and are successful. For example, it is well known that Mr. Buffet refuses to invest in technology, which is explained in more detail here.

We use stubbornness in a negative context primarily because it describes someone who has a dogged determination even though they are presented with a valid argument. This does hold true in many contexts, but not when it comes to innovation. One of my favorite examples of success in history is Thomas A. Edison. His teacher from primary school often implied that he was challenged, but that was only because Edison’s mind kept wandering. The teacher used his experience to indicate that Edison couldn’t succeed due to this tendency. Moreover, once he started to work as a telegrapher, he became so engrossed in reading/experimenting that an accident involving a lead-acid battery cost him his job. However, despite this situation (not to mention that he was impoverished) he had a “stubborn” determination to innovate by thinking outside the box. His first of many patents was in 1869, the electric vote recorder. In addition, he used his skills in entrepreneurship to form one of the largest publicly traded companies worldwide, General Electric.

In essence, we can use stubbornness to our advantage. Although it is typically associated with someone who is unyielding in a negative fashion, controlled stubbornness is a great quality that can drive you to success. One of the hardest parts of goal making is keeping the goal. If you are “stubborn” in up keeping your goals, it means you will do whatever it takes to achieve them. Sometimes, there will be individuals who tell you that it’s not possible, or deter you. It is in these cases where the fiery passion in stubbornness truly shines for the best. The key is to surround yourselves with people who will encourage rather than discourage you. Therefore, use stubbornness to your advantage to plow through difficulties and dream big. As Will Smith famously quipped in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you that you can’t do something.”

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Tips to Improve New Year’s Resolutions

By: S.C. Ali

Founder/Author

Happy Holidays everyone! As we approach 2015, people around the world will be making resolutions, which I like to think of as goals and aspirations for the New Year. These goals can cover a wide variety of issues, which include but are definitely not limited to: health, nutrition, habits, traits/characteristics, education, and travel. The idea behind setting these goals is to improve oneself. It is conducive to the main idea behind this blog, which is to attain a happy, healthy, and balanced lifestyle.

One of the most common issues people face when making goals is keeping them. Oftentimes, by the end of January, our goals for the entire year have gone on the back burner and are not accomplished. Therefore, here are some tips that will hopefully improve the quality and longevity of any New Year’s Resolutions we may make, regardless of their nature.

1. Detail your steps to achieving your goals. It is wonderful to have grand aspirations, but if you don’t list the steps you need to take in order to achieve that goal, then the goal has no value. It is vital that these steps are pragmatic and within your reach. For example, if you desire to read one book a week, do you have a detailed plan as to how you are going to achieve this goal? Do you have motivation to read? Do you have time in your weekly schedule to sit down and read? Do you have access to a public library? Are you planning on ordering the books? The questions can go on and on, but if the answer is no to all of these basic ones, then you really can’t expect to achieve the goal.

2. Blending optimism and realism. Optimism and realism are often viewed as two ends of a spectrum. However, they can balance each other out, and the best way to achieve your goals is to strike this balance. Optimism, in essence, is the idea that you are, “hopeful and confident about the future”. If this positive attitude is not implemented, you will not achieve your goals. Imagine if you were pessimistic, and never saw the good in anything. What incentive is there for the future? How could you improve with this kind of mindset? Having too much optimism can lead to idealism, i.e. pursuing goals that are not achievable at the moment. On the other hand, realism is defined as, “accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.” As mentioned in the first point, there must be a sense of realism in order to achieve your goals. Someone who is grounded in realism understands the present situation, and does not ignore the facts. However, having too much realism can obstruct someone from achieving their goals, as they will underestimate themselves. The best way to balance these ideas is to implement point #1 because writing positive self-improvement goals is optimistic while maintaining control over the details is realistic.

3. Persistency and consistency are paramount. There must be persistency and consistency in achieving one’s goals in order to implement resolutions to the highest degree. These two ideas are similar, but different. Persistency is having, “firm continuance in a course of action regardless of difficulty or opposition”. Consistency is the, “achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time.” In achieving your goals, there will be obstacles, regardless of your goal. However, you must stay on track if you want to achieve greatness. One of the greatest deterrents for achieving goals is losing that motivation and high quality performance implemented at the beginning of the year. We’ve all heard the term in vernacular, “you’ve lost your touch.” This stems from failure in consistency. As long as the two are implemented, you will be able to achieve your resolutions.

4. Do a self-analysis of your progress frequently. I call this the “quality control” step. This is the most important, which is why I saved it for last. It inculcates all of the prior suggestions. Every week or everyday (my personal preference), look at your detailed goals and ask yourself if you are closer to achieving them. If the answer is no, then you may need to tweak the details section. Perhaps you’ll have to rewrite the goal altogether. The fact is, it should change in order to get back on track. This should not be done monthly, as reanalyzing every month is too large of a time interval. Most importantly, if you are on track, then give yourself a pat on the back, but keep moving forward.

In essence, these are only a few of many tips that you can implement from now in order to ensure that your 2015 Resolutions are accomplished. These tips were self-generated based on personal experience. Do not waste time worrying about what you did not achieve this year, as time is irreversible. Instead, focus on what you achieved this year, and most importantly, what you can do for a better and more promising future.

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015!

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