How Passing 250 Exams and Interviews Taught Me the True Meaning of Persistence

 | Marc Reflects

When I first heard about someone passing 250 exams and interviews before landing a job, I found myself wrestling with a question: How does anyone sustain that kind of persistence without breaking? At some point, most of us would give up. But reflecting on this story, I realize that persistence is not just about stubbornness it’s a complex, often difficult mindset that reveals much about human resilience and determination.

In my own reflections, especially given the context of Africa’s challenging job markets and limited resources, this story is far from exceptional it’s deeply instructive. It forces me to ask: what does persistence really mean, and why is it so crucial in the pursuit of success?

Persistence as a Learned Discipline, Not Just an Innate Trait

Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich has been a foundational text for many who seek success, and rightly so. Hill’s assertion that “Many a failure comes because of lack of persistence” resonates powerfully here. Persistence, to me, is less about blind endurance and more about intentional, disciplined effort. Hill goes further to say that persistence combined with a burning desire makes failure impossible over time.

Reflecting on this, I see how persistence is a skill I must actively cultivate. It isn’t enough to want success; the will to keep going despite obstacles must become a habit. The man who took those 250 exams did not let fear or scarcity stop him—he leveraged support from friends, stayed focused on his goal, and treated every setback as a lesson rather than a defeat.

This compels me to think about my own challenges. How often have I backed away from difficult tasks because the immediate reward wasn’t clear? Hill’s wisdom reminds me that persistence is the carbon in the steel of character.

Mental Strength: The Quiet Engine Behind Persistence

What struck me most is the mental fortitude required to endure such a journey. Psychological research on grit, like Angela Duckworth’s work, teaches us that passion and perseverance for long-term goals often matter more than talent or intelligence.

I reflect on how this unwavering mental strength is cultivated—not magically, but through daily choices: to study one more hour, to improve my skills, to brush off a rejection letter and prepare for the next opportunity. The man who passed 250 exams embodied this in practice, showing me that resilience isn’t just reacting to failure but actively growing stronger through it.

Reframing Failure and Embracing Patience

One of the hardest lessons for me in this reflection is rethinking failure. I’ve often viewed setbacks as signs of personal inadequacy. But this story and thinkers like Hill challenge me to see failure as feedback—a necessary part of refining my approach. Each “no” is not a dead end but a data point for improvement.

Patience becomes a crucial companion to persistence. Real achievements require time, sometimes years, which can feel like an eternity in a world demanding instant results. Yet, the truth is success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Practical Reflections: How I Can Build Persistence in My Life

From this story, I’ve drawn several personal action points:

1. Clarify my goals. Knowing exactly what I want is essential to fuel persistence.
2. Break goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This helps maintain momentum and reduces overwhelm.
3. Track progress regularly. Reflecting on small wins builds motivation and keeps me accountable.
4. Seek mentorship and advice. Learning from others who have endured similar journeys prevents me from reinventing the wheel.
5. Adopt stress management practices. Mindfulness, journaling, or even simple breathwork can help me stay mentally balanced.
6. Embrace failure as a learning tool. I need to actively analyze setbacks and adjust strategies instead of giving up.
7. Commit to persistence as a lifestyle choice, not just a momentary effort.

 

The African Context: Why Persistence Resonates Deeply with Me

Living and working in Africa, I recognize how systemic barriers often magnify the challenges of persistence. Limited access to education, fierce job competition, and scarce resources are daily realities for many. Yet, this story serves as a reminder that even amid structural difficulties, persistence paired with strategy and support can open doors.

It also makes me reflect on the importance of community. When John talked about the help he received from friends, it underscored that persistence does not mean solitary struggle. We all need networks that believe in us and provide practical assistance when resources are tight.

Final Reflection: Persistence Is Not Optional

What I take away from this reflection is clear: persistence is not optional for those who want to succeed in difficult environments. It is the backbone of growth, the “carbon to steel” of character as Napoleon Hill said.

As I continue on my own journey, I realize that persistence will be tested many times. But understanding it as a deliberate practice rather than a fixed trait gives me hope—and a concrete way forward.

Persistence demands patience, self-compassion, learning from failure and most of all, the courage to keep moving forward when giving up seems easier. My takeaway? I must not only admire persistence in others but cultivate it deeply within myself.