QC Community Weekly Contest #156 [ENG/ESP]: The Clear Difference Between Persistence and Stubbornness.

Greetings, wonderful people of Hive!
Welcome to another exciting week in the QC community contest. This week’s theme is one that speaks directly to growth and success — persistence.

Before diving into the questions, let me share my understanding about persistence.

Persistence is the determination to keep going until you achieve your desired result. It’s not about blindly repeating the same action but about reflecting, correcting past mistakes, and trying again with a better approach. That, to me, is the true essence of persistence.

How important is persistence to you?

For me, persistence is one of the most powerful tools in life. Not every effort yields results on the first try. Some dreams take time to mature. When I fail, persistence is what pushes me to examine my past efforts, refine my plan, and try again. Without persistence, many long-term goals would remain a mere fantasy.

What is the difference between persistence and stubbornness?

The difference lies in learning versus ignoring.

Persistence means trying again after you have identified and corrected your mistakes.

Stubbornness, on the other hand, is refusing to change, even when it’s clear that something is not working.

Take teaching as an example. If I use a lecture method with 5–7-year-olds and notice they are not learning, persistence will drive me to explore new methods—perhaps storytelling, songs, or games. A stubborn teacher, however, will insist on using the same ineffective method, demanding that the children “must learn” regardless of their needs.

Do you think you should always be persistent or are there times you need to just stop trying?

Not always. Persistence is valuable, but it should have boundaries.

If repeated efforts, even with adjustments, still fail, it may be wise to step back.

If persistence causes anxiety, stress, or misalignment with your long-term goals, quitting is the smarter option.

Persistence is a cornerstone of success, but wisdom lies in knowing when to persist and when to let go.

Conclusion
Persistence builds resilience, fuels growth, and brings dreams to life. But blind stubbornness can trap us in unproductive cycles. True success comes from balancing persistence with self-awareness, reflection, and the courage to change direction when necessary.