I often find myself considering how to pair principles for governing behavior. Two principles are better than one, right? Sometimes. The popular McKinsey ‘MECE Framework’ states that the optimal arrangement of information should aim to group principles into subsets, such that items are both mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive. Pairs can be exclusive, but rarely exhaustive of all extraneous information. As such, pairing principles allows for a simplified thought process that is both clear and concise, yet also exclusive – without the need to be completely exhaustive.

So when working to achieve short-term goals or towards a long-term vision, allow for persistence and patience to act as a foundation for the path to accomplishment.

Few things in life can take the place of persistence – not talent, not intelligence, not education. Talent is common, and too often falls victim to apathy. Intelligence is a gift, and too often genius awaits its reward. Education is a privilege, and too often is taken for granted.

Persistence means to persevere in spite of fatigue or frustration. It is the voluntary continuation of action in spite of obstacles, difficulties, or discouragement. Remarkable things can happen when you simply refuse to give up – when failure is not an acceptable option. Persistence is indeed a personality trait, innate to some, but not exclusive to those with heritable fortune. If persistence does not come naturally from within, then it, like anything else, can be learned. But how?

Identify your wants and needs, but also identify the motivation behind the existence of those desires. Outline a defined and actionable plan, but leave room for the ability to adapt and adjust. Remember, there are many ways to move forward, but only one way to stand still. Persistence is NOT doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result – in fact, Einstein called that insanity. Draw on inner-confidence or willpower, wherever it comes from, to remain positive and focused. Stay disciplined to keep accountable and to promote habit. And finally, be patient.

Because patience is… a virtue? Sure, but how does that help? Patience allows time for strategic thinking and thorough assessment, to develop skills and improve knowledge. Patience is NOT synonymous with passivity or inactivity. Don’t wait – evaluate. The goal graveyard is full of unrealized objectives that failed to utilize the power of patience. Patience means to establish realistic expectations, so that goals can be shaped into achievement through calculated, continuous action. If seemingly meaningful accomplishment comes quickly and often, you’re either very lucky, or you’re not testing the limits of your full potential.

To promote patience, recognize that forms of frustration and disappointment are a part of every person’s life. Re-frame each pain point as a learning opportunity, as to better prepare for the ongoing or next challenge. Embrace the fact that regardless of individual effort and tenacity, some things are simply out of your control. Never expect or rely on immediate results, but rather accept that delayed gratification will come through determination and an inability to accept failure.

On the surface, persistence and patience can be seen as contradictory, but in reality, they are complementary! A yin and yang that interact to form a dynamic system for governing behavior in which the whole is greater than the individual parts. How? Persistence with action, but patience with results. A balanced foundation that will lead to a more comprehensive and rewarding outcome.

Many of life’s failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

So be persistent but patient – and turn dreams into reality.