The struggles make you stronger and the changes make you wise; happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time.

There are times in life when you will feel that everything around you is collapsing. Sometimes life falls apart and it is out of your control, and at other times, things go wrong and you know that it is your own fault. There will always be unexpected turns in your life but what separates success and failure is one thing. That is perseverance.

Here are some steps you can take to help you persevere:

Step 1 – Identify your goal.

This is purposely broad. Your goal may be to climb Mount Everest, to stop smoking, to get a better job, to lose weight, to gain more self control, to get yourself out of harmful habitual habits, or anything you can think of and desire to achieve.

Step 2 – Plot a course.

Educate yourself about your goal and develop a plan to achieve your goal.

Step 3 – Prepare

Realize that if your goal is very lofty that you will likely face multiple challenges and failures along the way. It is important to spiritually, and mentally, prepare yourself for these failures.

Step 4 – Take the first step

Nobody ever succeeded by not trying. Many people procrastinate in taking the first step because they fear failure. Failure is guaranteed when the first step is not taken.

Step 5 – When and if you fail

If you fail, realize what it is that caused you to fail and get back up. Keep on trying.

Step 6 – When you fail again

If you stupidly make the same mistakes over and over you must not get discouraged. Take a new approach to the situation or purpose in yourself to try harder.

Step 7 – Reassess your approach.

Do not beat yourself up or you will never succeed. Understand why you failed and get over it. You are not a failure until you give up. If you fail keep on trying.