Persistence: The Golden Key

Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn't quit, look no further.

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost 8 elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times - but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest Presidents in the history of US. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up. Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House :

 

        1816 : His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

        1818 : His mother died.

        1831 : Failed in business.

        1832 : Ran for state legislature - Lost.

        1832 : Also lost his job. Wanted to go to law school, but couldn't get in.

        1833 : Borrowed some money from a friend to begin business, but became bankrupt by the year end.

        1834 : Ran for state legislature again - Won.

        1835 : Was engaged to be married, but his fiancee died.

        1836 : Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for 6 months.

        1838 : Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - Defeated.

        1840 : Sought to be elector - Defeated.

        1843 : Ran for Congress - Lost.

        1846 : Ran for Congress again. This time he won. Went to Washington and did a good job.

        1848 : Ran for re-election to Congress - Lost.

        1849 : Sought the job of land officer in his home state - Rejected.

        1854 : Ran for the Senate of the US - Lost.

        1856 : Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - Got less than 100 votes.

        1858 : Ran for the US Senate again - Lost again.

        1860 : Elected President of the US.