"Persistence Is Its Own Reward," or, Water That Flower.

I've started a feature -- the True Rules series. These are concrete lessons that come out of people's specific experiences. Whether you agree with these rules or not, they’re fun to consider.

When I was visiting the brilliant Debbie Stier at HarperStudio, which is part of the house that is publishing my book (oh, wait, did I mention I have a book coming out?), president and publisher Bob Miller stopped by her office.

I was filming Debbie giving her True Rule, Rock the Boat, and Bob immediately got in the spirit of the endeavor and agreed to give me his True Rule, too.

If you can’t watch the video, Bob says, “My True Rule is that persistence is its own reward. Somehow, the more you stay with something, the more you accumulate wisdom and meaning in whatever it is you're doing. Just by watering that flower, you get really attached to that flower."

* Of all the blogs I read, 0ne of my very favorite is Unclutterer, and I loved this post about Having it all -- key points for a happy life.

* Check out the Happiness Project Toolbox! You can post your own resolutions and insights about happiness -- and read what other people have posted. Addictive.

Comments

[Michael F. Martin]

...so make sure it's a beautiful flower!

[Banuta Rubess]

Unclutterer is boring! For tidiness fetishists!

[kat]

I just reread The Little Prince this weekend, so your quote about the flower seemed extra apropos! That is a book that contains many, many happiness lessons.

(And by the way, thanks for the blurb about the contents of the video for those of us who can't watch videos at work.)

[Alex Lickerman @ Happiness in this World]

I completely agree with Bob's True Rule of persistence. Even wrote a post called "The Power Of Resolve" on the same subject that can be found at:

http://www.happinessinthisworld.com/2009/06/28/the-power-of-resolve/

[Charley Forness]

If not a flower, how about the age-old metaphor of water the acorn till it becomes an oak tree? Persistance is a foundational concept for success. Every "overnight" sensation has a history of persistent hard work behind them.

And whether you find Unclutterer boring or not, I won't argue, but Erin's post that is linked above is terrific advice for anyone with goals.

[Ruth E H]

Unclutterer is a wonderful blog, I agree.
And yours is one I enjoy receiving, too.

[Mary]

Where I work we call it watering the bamboo.

[Meream]

Wise words. Came at a perfect time, too, as I was thinking of giving up on something I know I will actually enjoy doing.

[Jamey Stegmaier]

I've been writing a series of posts about happiness this week on my blog (http://jameystegmaier.com), and someone just referred me to this blog in the comments section. Great concept. This week I'm exploring the results of an exercise I did: write down as many experiences of extreme happiness, gratification, joy, and awe. I came up with 87, and I analyze the data on my blog.

[cheap jordan shoes]

Thank you very much. I am wonderring if I can share your article in the bookmarks of society,Then more friends can talk about this problem.

[jordan 6 rings]

I must say this is a great article i enjoyed reading it keep the good work.

[Laura Cococcia - The Journal of Cultural Conversation]

I love Unclutterer too! And lately, I've needed it more than ever. (I also love Zen Habits, which I saw you had on another post). We have alot of the same interests :) Can't wait for your book, Gretchen!

[Gretchen Rubin]

Thanks! Glad this post resonated. Feel free to share the article wherever you like --