Is there an upside to being stubborn? When you are faced with obstacles, stubbornness can help you move ahead instead of being stopped by them
Image courtesy of Nathan Rogers at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There’s an upside to being stubborn?
Sure there is! When I say “stubborn” I don’t mean being hard-hearted, unteachable, or rude. Nope! I am talking about being firm in your beliefs and standing strong in the face of opposition. I believe that being stubborn can be a great tool if used properly.
How? Well, being a little bit obstinate can keep you from…
- Giving up too easily
- Being wishy-washy or easily swayed
- Succumbing to peer pressure
- Stressing too much about what others think
When it comes to health, fitness, and just about anything in life, we could all use a dose of stubbornacity (new word!). Are you frustrated with your health and fitness? Don’t give up – keep forging ahead and add something new!
Are you discouraged by other people’s put-downs and criticisms? Steel your mind against the words of your enemies and keep moving forward!
It’s okay to be a little bit stubborn. Don’t give up on your dreams because others disapprove. There is a time for everything in life, and there is a time to be stubborn. There absolutely can be a balance between being gracious and having tenacity.
“There is an appointed time for everything….
…A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 NASB
When do you feel being stubborn is the right thing to do?
Sarah Jane Parker is the founder, recipe creator, and photographer behind The Fit Cookie. She’s a food allergy mom and allergy friendly food blogger of 12 years based in Wyoming. Sarah is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Health Coach, Revolution Running certified running coach, and an ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
I am actually working really hard on learning when being stubborn helps me as a distance runner, most of the time, and when I am beyond stubborn and hurt myself. Trying to learn the difference.
It can be hard to find that balance, especially in fitness. I keep reminding myself that I have only one body, so I need to take care of it, even if it means backing off my fitness a little bit.
I agree. Stubbornness can be an excellent trait. Sometimes an annoying one, but still excellent, usually.
Yes! I can be annoyingly stubborn sometimes, but I do think it is one of my best traits 🙂
I am passing this on to the hubby 😉
Haha, yes! If anything it will be a good conversation starter 🙂