32

Perseverance

‘Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts.’

Coleman Cox

The principle of perseverance, or continuity, is found everywhere in the natural world. A tree, for instance, changes constantly as it grows from a sapling to its full height. Yet it always remains unmistakably a tree. This indicates that the way to approach the current situation is to be consistent in the face of change. Do not take radical action. If something is working for you, stay with it. Do not be blown this way and that. Choose your path and follow it without deviating. Move slowly towards your longer-term objective. If you have to decide between a traditional or an innovative approach, use the tried and tested method. Keep to a routine. If you feel the situation is stagnating, you may need to make minor changes. But keep your goal firmly in mind. Do nothing which might damage your chances of success. When there is a choice to be made, always act with integrity to yourself. If things are going well, do not allow yourself to become lazy. Even the most stable situation needs ongoing care and attention. If matters are going badly, be patient. Do not give up.

An opportunity for personal growth

In the ancient text, this hexagram represents marriage. If your question concerns a relationship then the meaning is that you must make a commitment. But this could apply equally to a project, a job or any area currently of concern to you. If you have started something, you must see it through to the end. Practise tolerance and persistence so as to stick with things when the going gets rough. When difficulties arise, see them as a challenge to your determination and staying-power. From this point of view, a problem can give you the opportunity to strengthen yourself and your relationships. Be prepared to be flexible. There is always another person’s point of view to be considered. At the same time, you must be true to yourself. Support what you sincerely believe to be right.

Further aspects of the situation

SIX AT THE BEGINNING

You want too much too soon. It is as though you are trying to run before you have learned to walk. Do not rush headlong into a new situation. Stop and consider the consequences. If you want long-term stability you must persevere. Trying to cut corners in order to get a quick result will not prove successful.

NINE IN THE SECOND PLACE

Keep a sense of balance. If you do too little, you will be ineffective in the situation. But if you try too hard, you will overstep the mark. Use your discrimination to judge how far you can safely go. Then you will have no cause for regret.

NINE IN THE THIRD PLACE

Stability must come from within, regardless of circumstances. If your state of mind depends on whatever is happening at the moment, you will never be happy. There is no future in constantly changing your goalposts. What’s more, if you are unpredictable and easily led, people will lose respect for you. And you will eventually lose respect for yourself.

NINE IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Be practical. If you are failing to achieve your goal then either it was unrealistic in the first place, or else you are setting about it in the wrong way. You have considerable determination. Use it in an area where you can actually accomplish something.

SIX IN THE FIFTH PLACE

Sometimes it is appropriate to learn from others and follow their lead. In other situations, success depends on acting independently and relying solely on your own judgment. Be flexible. Take whichever approach will be the most effective in the current circumstances.

SIX AT THE TOP

You cannot achieve your goals if you are in a state of constant agitation. Anxiety and restlessness will prevent you from forming a realistic view of your position. Calm down.