"Persistence wears down resistance" but at what cost?

This morning a tweeting wander across my Twitter home screen looking something like this:

PaulCarterJr @Mike_Wesely #QUOTE "Persistence wears down resistence" ~ K. Sparks

I retweeted it asking the question "but at what cost? " and this started a dialog between me and @Mike_Weseley about the costs, and it has inspired me to write this post

I expect "K Sparks", whoever that is, was trying to be encouraging to the downtrodden to not give up. That's an admirable sentiment in a situation in which the downtrodden would like to be victorious at all costs.

However, if the downtrodden would like to be victorious while still have a relationship with their opponent, they must be mindful of what their persistence costs their relationship. There are many contexts in which someone doesn't really care about their opponent or about the state of their relationshp after the conflict. In that circumstance, persistence perhaps force and perhaps violence are appropriate methods of achieving the outcome.

A partner's persistence to a point of view or chosen action can create resentment or be perceived as abuse. While the resistor may acquiesce, they may well bear ill-will toward the persistent one.

Even in a business setting, persistence can be viewed as insubordination.

Consider the battle between Water and the Rock. Eventually, perhaps over many years, the Water's persistence wears down the Rock's resistance, leaving the Rock worn slick or torn to pieces.

I'm not saying don't be persistent. I'm saying be mindful how you use it and what outcomes you want in the end.

Happy Mother's Day!

I spent my morning sitting on my patio out front, drinking coffee and enjoying my flowers. The calla lilies shown on the right were part of my mother's day present from my kids.

I have to sit out front because my deck (which is 14 feet off the ground) is slated for demolition and reconstruction and has been deemed by the family engineer (my husband) to be structurally unsafe.

Later my morning filled with fresh baked blueberry muffins, cards, hugs, kisses and presents. I also got iTunes gift cards, a lovely rose bush (which I'm about to go plant) and a new lilac bush. Life is good.

Happy Mother's Day all you mommies out there! I hope your day is as wonderful as mine as been so far.