"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved, and will always solve, the problems of the human race."
- Calvin Coolidge      

"Press on" is a powerful and necessary mental attitude. It is the attitude that is found permeating through every successful person and organization.   

As a country the U.S. pressed on after 9/11. As a world leader we knew it was necessary, and it did not change the intensity of the horror, the sadness, or the trauma the events caused.  

Martin Luther King, like many historical heroes, continued to do what was necessary in order to share the power of his vision-no matter what amount of ignorance or violence stood in his way.   

The NASA program exists today because the Kennedy administration had a vision and a goal to put a man on the moon. Many thought that vision was insane; however, in 1969 the vision became a reality. The space program has dealt with a great deal of set backs and has needed to press on after significant tragedy like the loss of the space shuttle Challenger and the space shuttle Endeavor.  

Lance Armstrong, seven-time consecutive winner of the Tour De France, accomplished those victories by pressing through a traumatic diagnosis of testicular cancer that masticated to his brain. Lance, like so many other cancer patients, have after diagnosis adapted a press on attitude because they know it is required to deal with the required treatment and victory over their disease.  

All of these examples are of exceptional people with a press on attitude who achieved amazing results in extreme situations. However, I submit to you that the press on attitude is required in everyday life and business. I believe that every person involved in the above examples always had a press on attitude. However, we saw their real capability because they were faced with adverse, challenging, life, or vision threatening situations.  

The business community as a whole is currently faced with unprecedented changes of which many are out of our direct control. Recovery and regaining success in the business world will come because of the conscious decision to press on.  

Make the commitment now to do what is necessary to make your business successful. Look at each business issue with which you are challenged as an opportunity for success. Use your talent, experience, and education to your advantage. Develop a plan that leverages your background and experience. Review your marketing plan and your marketing mix of activities and make sure they are the right activities. Reach out for assistance as often as needed.