Can perseverance be trained?  

As an athlete, perseverance often comes in handy. But is it something you’re born with, or can you develop more of it through training? 

You probably know those dedicated athletes who, despite a minor ache or setback, always push themselves to the limit. Most of us would likely have given up and plopped down on the couch with a bag of chips. Where we stop, they show character and go the extra mile. This perseverance is partly inherited. At birth, we receive a package of genes from our parents that already determines, to some extent, how much perseverance is part of our personality. 

Do you find it difficult to hit the gym in bad weather? Or after a long workday, would you rather dive into bed than take a yoga class? Good news for you! There are several ways to develop more perseverance. 

Tip 1: Focus on the end goal 

The most important way to develop perseverance is by setting yourself concrete end goals. Are you training to get fitter or to clear your mind? Without a clear end goal, you’ll quickly lose the motivation to push a little harder during tough moments. 

Tip 2: Set short-term goals 

That big end goal can sometimes seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to break it down into smaller, short-term goals. You can set measurable goals per month, week, or even per workout. Once you achieve a goal, you’ll notice your perseverance increases, you feel more in control, and you’ll start believing in yourself more. 

Tip 3: Take good care of yourself 

Don’t push yourself too hard and move at your own pace. If you set goals that are too big, you might struggle to achieve them and end up feeling disappointed in yourself. This can diminish your perseverance, which is, of course, not what we want. Take care of yourself by setting achievable short-term goals. It’s also helpful to schedule regular reflection moments to assess how things are going, how you’re performing, and where you stand. Don’t be too hard on yourself.