Persistence turns anything into extra ordinary achievement. Originally it was this quote from Matt Biondi: Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement. I like the more generalized version and also this from Maya Angelou You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.

Life is but a series of fleeting moments, one forever chasing the next. The only place where you can live, act, and make a difference is the present. Today. Make peace with your past so it won’t disturb your present. What other people think of you is none of your business. Time heals almost everything.

Every night for the next week, set aside ten minutes before you go to sleep. Write down three things that went well today and why they went well. You may use a journal or your computer to write about the events, but it is important that you have a physical record of what you wrote.

When you gossip about another person, listeners unconsciously associate you with the characteristics you are describing, ultimately leading to those characteristics’ being “transferred” to you. So, say positive and pleasant things about friends and colleagues, and you are seen as a nice person. In contrast, constantly complain about their failings, and people will unconsciously apply the negative

Become genuinely interested in other people. Smile. Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves. Talk in terms of the other person’s interest. Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely– Dale