It is said that the real hallmark of a person lies in his /her threshold of endurance. The distinguishing factor between success and failure mostly depends on how we perform and react during testing times. Under the given normal conducive situation it is very difficult to differentiate between mediocrity and brilliance. But a test on their endurance always elicits that unique characteristic which is tantamount to the panacea for success. If we ask ourselves which is that one attribute that is inherent in animals but absent in humans, then the obvious answer will be "Survival instinct". From the day they are born, every day is a question of survival. The weaklings will never make it and the strongest will always rule. But we cannot extrapolate this philosophy to humankind as we live in a civilized and societal world, where every individual possess a powerful intellect and where their characteristics are unique and endearing. So how can we build this endurance? How can we improve our survival instincts?

Anatole France once said, "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." As we reach for our dreams, we will inevitably encounter obstacles. How we view these roadblocks will determine whether we will become successful or not. Even with goals, passion and purpose in our lives, we will still be faced with adversity. It greatly matters how we react to these adversities which will ultimately decide our future. Taking a look at the lives of men who have done the implausible can act as catalysts in our endeavors. Failures are inevitable. As Swami Vivekananda once said "In a day when u don't come across any problems, you can be sure that you are traveling in a wrong path". Like a child who gets up quickly after a fall, we need to bounce back from failures.

People who have faced setbacks, and yet had the courage and the strength to persevere, to hang on while the storms blew through will gravitate close towards the fulfillment of their dreams and most importantly towards success. Persistence and endurance were the basic tenets which took Walt Disney to the gates of success even though he had to file for bankruptcy 5 times. Let's take the life of Abraham Lincoln. He failed in business twice, was defeated for congress twice, was defeated to the senate twice and was defeated for the speaker of the house and Vice President's Role. But at the age of 51, he was elected president of the United States of America. He demonstrated that passion, belief and self trust are the fuels for a positive attitude that makes one totally committed to a Goal. Giving up is not an option. He had the power of endurance, ingrained in him, to stride past the vagaries of life and achieve one of the most coveted and powerful position in this whole world.

Having faith and endurance will help us to manage our energy levels, keep our soul alive, take new paths, reduce stress, attack our fears, and hang on when the storms blow through.

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