Have you ever wondered if perseverance really does pay off? I certainly have. I’ve been chasing some dreams for many years and there have been times—more than I’d like to admit–when I have wondered if perseverance isn’t just a prettier, more acceptable word for plain old stubbornness.
I’ve even occasionally wondered if what I call perseverance isn’t simply a long-held self delusion. I mean, really. How long have I madly clutched this idea that if I just work hard enough, try long enough, and never, ever give up, that this thing I long for, this dream that seems forever just out of reach, will finally come true?
But does it really happen?? To regular, everyday people?
Yes, it does. Just ask Kathryn Stockett.
Who’s that? you may be wondering. If you haven’t heard her name, Kathryn Stockett is the author of the best-selling book, ‘The Help,’ which is now also a major motion picture.
Despite all odds, Kathryn Stockett decided she wasn’t giving up on her manuscript until she sold it. She was excited when she got her first rejection letter from an agent, and undaunted after rejection number 15. After 40 rejection letters, though, she was utterly and completely discouraged. Who could blame her?
Still she didn’t give up.
Not even after 60– yes SIXTY–rejection letters.
It was letter number 61 that got her an agent and the rest, luckily for us, is a great book and a wonderful movie.
What if she’d given up after rejection number 40?
After I read Ms. Stockett’s story, I realized that while I’ve gotten more than sixty rejection letters over the years, I have not gotten anywhere near that number for a single project. So to my way of thinking, that means it’s still way too soon to give up.
If your perseverance tank is running on empty today, click on the link below to read Kathryn Stockett’s inspiring story.
Kathryn Stockett’s The Help Turned Down 60 Times Before Becoming a Best Seller
…and then get back to work on your dream!!!
Such a wonderful, inspiring story. Thanks for posting it. It’s good to remember that ‘overnight successes’ are usually the result of years of hard work.
I couldn’t agree more, Ruth! Her story encouraged me, big time.
It’s so hard to keep moving forward when every door seems closed and every window nailed shut. Thank goodness for friends who bolster your spirits and hold you up when others are pushing you down.
Amen, Diane! Thanks so much for being one of the encouragers in my life!!!
Thanks for sharing this story, Connie. I’m keeping it in a file to pull out and read for encouragement when those rejections start coming in.
Good for you, Laura–that means submissions are in your plans!!!
Thanks for posting this, Connie. YOUR perseverance (aka stubbornness :-)) sounds remarkably similar to mine, and that was inspiring to me on it’s own. I too wonder if I’ll ever achieve my dream of being a successful novelist. I too have many rejection letters saved to be used as kindling one of these days when I’m finally “there.” 🙂 Good luck, to you, and thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kimberly–and the very same to you!! We’ll have to build a bonfire together one day!
“its” not “it’s” haha. Couldn’t help myself, I had to correct my typo 🙂
🙂
Connie, thanks a million for pointing out this amazing article. I never did count my rejections, maybe 25, before I published.
I’m halfway through The Help and loving it. Hubby and I went to the movie and I tell people it’s a must-see for anyone with a heart. I was either crying or laughing.
I haven’t gotten to the theater yet…but I’ll get there soon. Glad you enjoyed Kathryn Stockett’s story!