perseverance

Perseverance is the sustained effort toward a long-term goal in the face of obstacles, adversity, or delay. It entails ongoing commitment and persistence beyond initial motivation, rather than short bursts of activity. The word traces to Latin perseverare, meaning to endure or continue steadfastly.

In psychology, perseverance often overlaps with traits such as conscientiousness and, in some theories, with grit. Angela Duckworth’s concept of grit focuses on perseverance of effort and consistency of interest over time. Some researchers distinguish perseverance from resilience, while others treat them as related components of adaptive persistence.

Perseverance is frequently linked to achievement in education, careers, sports, and scientific inquiry, especially for demanding, non-acute goals. Practices that support it include deliberate practice, incremental goal setting, and feedback. Critics note that perseverance can be maladaptive if applied to inappropriate goals, if strategies are ineffective, or if it mutates into sunk-cost bias or stubborn rigidity.

Across cultures, perseverance is commonly valued as a virtue and a predictor of success, shaping attitudes toward effort, discipline, and long-term planning. Public discourse, motivational writing, and educational programs often promote persistence as an important skill.