I have created a rich, fulfilling and rewarding life that continues to evolve.

Every week I am asked, “How do you do it?”

The word “it” is in reference to many things.

• Achieve balance in my life.
• Take extended holidays.
• Succeed in a demanding corporate role while also operating a successful professional services business.
• Maintain a great partnership with my husband over many years.
• Consistently achieve financial goals.
• Have meaningful relationships with my children who live in different cities.
• Pursue lifelong learning.
• Change industries, relocate across the country and land on my feet.
• Sit on boards and volunteer.
• Embrace a large circle of friends and acquaintances., many of whom live in different parts of the world.

In this series of blog posts I will outline what has contributed to success for myself and others.

Let’s start with tenacity. Achieving goals and success has much less to do with intelligence, education or luck than it does with tenacity. When I identify a change I want to make or a goal I want to achieve, I do not give up or give in when results are not as expected. That does not mean dogged determination to a given path and steps. I remain open to input from others and respond to suggestions and new information but I do not give up on my goal or my desired outcome.

“Luck is tenacity of purpose.” – Ebert Hubbard

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life.” – Amelia Earhart

Here’s an example of tenacity that I like. Read Christine Comaford’s article “I Stalked Steve Job’s (And How to Get a Meeting with Any VIP)”.

When has tenacity paid off for you? I would love to hear your comments below.

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