Get to Your Chair!

I recently came across a quote that struck a chord: “The only thing you can control in relation to your goal are the actions you take every damn day in an effort to achieve it.” There’s a profound truth in this statement about the power of persistence. Whether you’re starting a new company, learning a skill, or picking up a new hobby, the key to progress lies in the steady, daily steps you take. Persistence is a fundamental, often underestimated force that can transform small actions into extraordinary achievements.

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At SteppingStone, we’ve made persistence one of our core values: ‘We will maintain a commitment to vision and goals, driven by the belief that with consistent effort and resilience, success is within our reach’. This principle is woven into our company culture because we know that even the most ambitious visions are built one step at a time. Success doesn’t come from fleeting bursts of energy but from dedicated, sustained effort.

Starting something new is hard. In the early days, excitement and motivation comes easily. But over time, obstacles appear, and excitement can begin to wane. This is where persistence becomes invaluable. It’s the grit to keep going when progress feels invisible, the determination to take the next step even when you’re not sure if it will pay off, and the resilience to stand up after a setback.

There’s a particular strength in building persistence through routine.  One of my advisors told me early on that the single-most important action I can take is to get to my chair every day.  Literally having the discipline to sit and get started each day has proven to be my most valuable routine.  There is great power in the simplicity of this small, daily step.  

The beauty of persistence is that it doesn’t require perfection, just consistency. It’s through consistent effort that we’ve come closer to achieving our vision: redefining the hiring process to help people find meaningful connections in their careers. Our only real requirement this entire time has been to keep moving.

As you pursue your own endeavors, remember this: persistence is your best friend. On the days when progress feels slow, remind yourself that every action counts – starting with something as simple as getting to your chair.

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