Be Tenacious, Not Perseverant

It’s almost trite to hear business tycoons express pride in their dissenting opinions. I’m looking at all of you who are moved by stories of people who "persisted in the face of criticism." I agree that perseverance is important, but it should be thought of as tenacity instead. 

Tenacity is not persistence

Persistence means repeating the same action. Tenacity means adhering to your pursuits. Persistence is trying to fit a square peg through a round hole. Tenacity is knowing when to avert your focus, move on, or change strategies. Persistence can be helpful when channeled correctly, but it is key to identify when it becomes detrimental doggedness. 

Tenacity has a direction

Both perseverance and tenacity don’t guarantee success—nothing can. But unlike perseverance, tenacity has a direction. Don’t expect to become a billionaire by working hellish hours, but do expect to discover more productivity when there is a plan to follow. That plan is part of tenacity. 

Tenacity does not define giving up

Don’t stigmatize the idea of giving up, especially if you can’t define it. Does taking a break qualify as giving up? What about reevaluating your goals in life? Tenacity means choosing when you’ve given up. That’s how you win agency over your endeavors. Tenacity means you adhere to your values even when life doesn’t favor you. For example, if you value altruism and quit medical school but decide to become a teacher, that’s tenacity. 

Tenacity cares about what other people say

People who don’t care about what others say aren’t determined. They’re apathetic. Tenacious people, on the other hand, do care. They glean insights from criticism and gather self-assurance from praise. If everyone is telling you you’re wrong, don’t neglect their warnings. Be tenacious and realize that while you may be on a path to revolutionizing the world, you may also be blatantly acting like an idiot.