I came across a fascinating study this week. Can't stop thinking about it. Priscilla Blinco did a study involving Japanese and American first graders. She gave them a very difficult puzzle to solve. The American children lasted, on average, 9.47 minutes. The Japanese children lasted 13.93 minutes or 40% longer.
Any one want to guess who has higher scores on standardized math tests?
Fascinating study with interesting implication. The argument is that we might give IQ more credit than it deserves. Persistence quotient might be a better predictor of success! How long are you willing to try something before giving up? Successful people, in every arena, aren't just smarter. They try harder and try longer.
By the way, just got an email from an NCCer that has been trying to get a job with U.S. State Department for 12 years! Every application had been denied, that is, until a couple weeks ago. They were interviewing 1200 applicants for 24 positions. This NCCer was the second person selected.
Listen, that is good old-fashioned persistence. Don't take no for an answer! Try, Try again. It's not over till the fat lady sings. I don't care what aphorism you quote. It's all about persistence. Keep trying! Then try some more!
Any one want to guess who has higher scores on standardized math tests?
Fascinating study with interesting implication. The argument is that we might give IQ more credit than it deserves. Persistence quotient might be a better predictor of success! How long are you willing to try something before giving up? Successful people, in every arena, aren't just smarter. They try harder and try longer.
By the way, just got an email from an NCCer that has been trying to get a job with U.S. State Department for 12 years! Every application had been denied, that is, until a couple weeks ago. They were interviewing 1200 applicants for 24 positions. This NCCer was the second person selected.
Listen, that is good old-fashioned persistence. Don't take no for an answer! Try, Try again. It's not over till the fat lady sings. I don't care what aphorism you quote. It's all about persistence. Keep trying! Then try some more!
17 Comments:
Yup. Was it not Spurgeon who said, "By persistence (or maybe perseverance) the snail got to the ark."
Good post. But, for the record, I would have finished that puzzle. I'm a puzzle master. Plus it's for the US of A. Gotta represent.
Good post. Here is a book you should check on the subject if you haven't already. It's called, The Secret of Success is Not a secret: Stories of Famous People who Persevered by Darcy Andries. Here is the link on Amazon, http://tinyurl.com/9tk4vj
I think your conclusion is correct, PQ is more important than IQ.
I think we are almost posting about the same thing today. I posted about making dreams come true: http://www.ronedmondson.com based on the principle of Ecclesiastes 5:3. I think a lot of us say we want something, but we aren't willing to persevere until it comes true. Jesus certainly had the "power of persistence". (I once did a message about that very subject come to think of it.)
Thanks
Inspired by simplicity. Read daily.
Says a lot about the culture surrounding the American work ethic. I wonder what those stats would've looked like during the formation of our country... or even in the early, mid, and late 1800's. Maybe we could see a trend develop...
@Ryan_B prove it.
Thanks Mark! Truly a supernatural synchronicity reading this today! I have been meditating on The story of the persistent widow from Luke 18:1-8, read Psalm 119.1-8, and then came across a great quote from Thomas Edison:
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
So thanks for this incredible post! God-Ordained post!
Mark, this is why I haven't given up playing corn hole. Even though we got destroyed by the NCC staff I'm going to be persistant until a rematch. By the way Chad Johnson is getting pretty good at corn hole. Next time we play I want him on my team.
You often say you "just read a study." Where do you get them from that are both reliable and interesting. Every time I read a study I get bored to death about 30 seconds into it!
Brad,
I'm a study junkie. Read a ton of books, many of them more scientific in nature. Also read a variety of magazines.
Mark
Another book I recently read and reread again right after was on this point exactly. It's "Failing forward" by John Maxwell.
None of us like to admit being a quitter but in many aspects of life I had been one. I would feel very excited about a new business idea about every 6 weeks. After getting results that are not the best case scenario, I move on to the next interesting thing.
This year, my goal is to stick with two that I find promising and set mini monthly and weekly goals to continue working towards them even if I don't see results in the short term.
Good post and thank you.
Thanks from a pastor who needed to hear this today.
It took me 3 attempts to get my job at United. At my last interview I told my interviewer it was my 3rd time interviewing and that i'd be back if I was turned down again. Thankfully I didn't have to. :)
Mark,
I am a regular attendee of NCC. I am curious-- WHat does NCC believe?? I have been attending for a year. I have no idea. Beyond the fortune-cookie points of wisdom, does NCC take a stand on anything? What is your position on homosexuality (and activity beyond marriage?) You said "there are different ideas", like a SF politician... But what does NCC believe?? Just curious
Mark,
I am a regular attendee of NCC. I am curious-- WHat does NCC believe?? I have been attending for a year. I have no idea. Beyond the fortune-cookie points of wisdom, does NCC take a stand on anything? What is your position on homosexuality (and activity beyond marriage?) You said "there are different ideas", but what do YOU believe???
Scott,
What beliefs are you wondering about specifically? A couple thoughts. 1) Our core belief statement is on www.theaterchurch.com. 2) I'd highly recommend Alpha--we have five of them this semester. And 3) If you have a specific question about a particular issue feel free to email one us. My email is mark (at) theaterchurch (dot) com. Love to help answer any question you have.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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