Goal-Directed Persistence

 A 9-year-old is building a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. After 30 minutes, they struggle to find matching pieces and feel frustrated. Despite this, they stay focused, taking short breaks but returning to the puzzle again and again over the weekend until it’s complete.  

   A teenager trains for a cross-country competition that’s three months away. The student practices daily, even on days when it rains or they’re tired. They track their running times and make dietary adjustments. Even when their times plateau, they keep going. 

 An adult employee is managing a challenging six-month project involving multiple departments and tight deadlines. Midway through, unexpected changes in team members and budget constraints arise. Rather than giving up or waiting passively for help, the employee reevaluates timelines, seeks additional support, and adjusts the strategy.