More than intelligence or wealth, what separates the truly successful individuals from the rest is the fact that they never give up. They never give up no matter how they started or how many times they have failed in the past. We would not be enjoying Harry Potter, Disneyland or even Windows today if the founders decided to quit early on.

Never giving up sounds so cliché, but the repetition is justified because it’s the only choice you have if you want to get ahead. To master this art, you have to form habits which will become a lifestyle.

Here are seven tips you can practice to become a master of never giving up:

1. Start pausing but not quitting

Taking a step back gives you a whole new perspective on things. It allows you to gather strength and wisdom for the next steps. Resting is a weapon many fail to use.

Most of the time, things don’t go our way. Some days everything seems to go wrong.  During these moments, it’s ok to pause.  It’s ok to shout or cry. It’s ok to rest for a while and think. But it doesn’t mean you have to stop. Regain your composure and proceed; try again.

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi

2. Be honest with yourself and everyone around you

People quit more often than they have to because they fail to be honest with themselves and everyone around them. Dishonesty builds walls around individuals and opportunities. Be honest with who you are, what you want and how you feel.

Do you really like the job you have right now? Or do you pretend you like it because of what everyone around you expects?  If you don’t, don’t be surprised when you find yourself exhausted and wanting to give up most of the time.

Be honest with yourself if you fail. Admit and understand your mistakes and try your best to make amends. It is hard to move forward if you keep concealing and denying your faults.

3. Choose to be Positive

In this cynical world, it pays to be positive. Optimism is a wealth magnet.

It doesn’t mean you have to be blindly happy all the time. It just means you choose to focus on the good things even if you are surrounded by chaos. The moment you let negativity in, quitting will seem to be the best option. Do not allow that.

4. Surround yourself with resilient people

According to Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Do not expect to master not giving up if you hang out with quitters all the time. Are your friends resilient? If not, it’s time to look for new friends.

If you spend your time with people who are masters of the not giving up attitude, you are most likely to learn the art from them. Look for mentors who have already succeeded in their fields. Get to know their stories. You might be surprised on how many times they have failed. Spending time with resilient people makes you adopt their habits.

5. Stay motivated

Motivate yourself every day. It is important to read, listen and watch motivational material. Feed your brain with stuff that inspires you. Surround yourself with anything that reminds you of why you have to keep trying.

There are plenty of free motivational materials. Take advantage of these resources. However, no matter how good these motivators are, it won’t work unless you allow it. You have to be your greatest motivator.

6. Have a cause bigger than yourself

Why do you want to be successful? Wealth is just the instrument you need to do what you really want. Have an advocacy with effects that will last for eternity.

Maybe you want to find a cure for cancer, maybe you want to help end poverty, or you want to be a promoter of peace. Whatever it is, go beyond money. Go for something that will improve humanity. Figure out what really moves you and resonates deep inside your soul.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

7. Just don’t give up

Just don’t give up. It’s as simple and complicated as that. Remove quitting from your vocabulary. Don’t make quitting an option.

Every time you fail in doing something, remember that only your actions failed but you are not a failure. Be objective, examine why it didn’t work and find a way to make it better. As long as your heart is beating, there is always a chance to try one more time.

What tips would you give to master the art of never giving up? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!