What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Persistence: Stop Quitting, Ignore Shiny Objects and Climb Your Way to Success
Do you feel like procrastination is sabotaging your dreams? Are you tired of fighting a losing battle against your bad habits? Wish you could get off the couch and take that all-important first step? Nicknamed "Mr. Consistency" by his friends, author and professional coach Michal Stawicki has been where you are. After battling his video game addiction to become a successful entrepreneur, he's here to show you the simplest path to creating the lifestyle you deserve. The Art of Persistence is a step-by-step program created to take you from repeated failure to consistent success.
Through laser-targeted lessons and personal examples, you'll learn the essential measures you need to stick with your heart's desire.
Whether you seek money, fame, love, or just personal fulfillment, Stawicki's page-by-page plan will help you turn all of your personal mountains into molehills. In The Art of Persistence , you'll The Art of Persistence is your ultimate guide to making positive change permanent. If you like straightforward advice, easy-to-follow techniques, and proven strategies, then you'll love Michal Stawicki's next-level resource. Buy The Art of Persistence to start your new successful life today!
Through laser-targeted lessons and personal examples, you'll learn the essential measures you need to stick with your heart's desire.
Whether you seek money, fame, love, or just personal fulfillment, Stawicki's page-by-page plan will help you turn all of your personal mountains into molehills. In The Art of Persistence , you'll The Art of Persistence is your ultimate guide to making positive change permanent. If you like straightforward advice, easy-to-follow techniques, and proven strategies, then you'll love Michal Stawicki's next-level resource. Buy The Art of Persistence to start your new successful life today!
134 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
103 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Michal Stawicki
26 books55 followersMichal Stawicki is a busy, working parent of 3 amazing children and husband to one wonderful woman. Michal is from Poland and grew up under communist rule when opportunity was scarce. His demanding job and long commute had taken its toll. So, Michal decided it was time to change his life, to get healthy physically and financially, to become more connected to his family and spirituality and, most importantly, to follow his passions. Michal knew he felt a calling to help others, so he set out to change his life and start writing books to share his strategies for living a full and amazing life. He regularly blogs at www.expandbeyondyourself.com and the story of his life’s transformation was featured in the re-release of Jeff Olson’s “The Slight Edge.” Michal is on a mission to help busy, working adults reclaim their time, their spirit and their passions!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 8, 2015
One of the best books I have read this year full review to follow.
...
This book showed up in my Amazon recommendations. I am very thankful that it did. Now at first I was hesitant to buy this book based on the price point, number of pages and not knowing the author. But at the time his book The Fitness Expert Next Door (How to Change Your Life in 10 Minutes a Day) was available for free on Amazon. I read it and loved it. I have read 5 of Stawicki's 8 books in the last few weeks and will finish the remaining books soon. One of the quotes from this book that grabbed me most was "Understand that each decision or action in your life could be the beginning of a change in direction." Reading this book can be one of those decisions for you!
Some reviews of Michal's books criticize the English. And Michal admits that his native tongue is not English, but he does an excellent job communicating. And the few rough phrasings are more than made up for by the quality of the content. In another review I compare his writings to those of Robin Sharma, Stephen R. Covey, Dan Millman and John C. Maxwell. This book is short, concise and relays some great information. And it is not just head knowledge it is knowledge that Michal has gained from making changes in his own life. The power of story, his story, and stories he uses of others to give examples beyond his own can motivate you to making changes in your own life.
The chapters in this book are:
1. The Instant Gratification Curse
2. Closing the Gap
3. Definition
4. Four Lessons from a Millionaire
5. The Significance of Consistency
- Paco
6. Two Kinds of Motivation
7. Utilizing Motivation
- Ellyn
8. Purpose
9. Purposeful Motivation
10. Mission
- Teri
11. Personal Philosophy
12. Shape Your Philosophy
13. Cornerstones
- Ludvig
14. Tiny Habits
15. Tracking
16. Focus
- Stan
17. No Blueprint
Summary
Each chapter has the main teaching points and then a Knowledge Items summary at the end, and some have action items so you can start putting the tips into practice. I found I copied a number of these Knowledge summaries as reminders of next steps. On page 22 he states "Intention, attitude, and commitment determine your consistency" This knowledge point was one of the most impactful for me in the book. He also provides links to some other articles, TED talks and other resources to go deeper on some of the key teachings. Later in the book he declares "If you wanted to walk north, you would follow a compass. The compass needle would show you the way. Reason-powered motivation is your internal compass, always pointing you north. It's the real reason for starting and continuing a discipline. It is a values-driven decision from deep inside that you want a certain result. Some days you will not feel much like going out and working toward it. The flames in your fire may be burning low from time to time, particularly after a big discouragement. But the fire never goes out.
You can't depend on emotion-based motivation to fuel consistency. Depending on emotional motivation is a recipe for catastrophe as emotions are not constant.
Rather, you should place much more reliance on reason-fueled motivation. The real reasons for a journey don't just disappear in one instant. Your ambition to go "north" will motivate you to keep going when the going gets tough. It can back you up when you lose your hope. It can add a needed pinch of passion to your mundane activities, which will make them interesting enough that you continue your journey. It may save your life literally and metaphorically." Further on he says: "You can do this too. Motivate yourself with purpose-driven self-talk and reflection every day, and you will enjoy a fresh source of sustained energy that will propel you towards your goals.
Motivation is a powerful tool. Look for ways to motivate yourself into action by drawing strength from the inspiration that comes from your ideas and the power that comes from your beliefs and values." From these two and the following quote "A life purpose is so powerful because, as its name says, it's a part of your whole life. It's always deep in your heart and will support you in your struggles" we get the main point of his argument. In order for changes to take hold, for them to last and become habits the desire to change needs to be values based, and not just passion based. From that values centred if you can craft your life purpose, and work towards it every day it will fuel the journey and drive the change even when you hit the hard times.
What is your purpose, are you striving towards something or just existing? Michal says: "Your personal philosophy is your life attitude, which is formed by all of your past experiences and the meanings you gave them. It's your accumulated life knowledge and wisdom. As you become aware that you have an attitude towards life, you can systematically investigate and develop it using your analytic abilities. Unfortunately, not many people do this. For most people, their personal philosophy is just something that has molded itself through various life experiences rather than something they deliberately shaped." Are you willing to work to find your purpose and then pursue it? If so this book and his book A Personal Mission Statement: Your Road Map to Happiness will help you along that path.
Some of the best advice in the books is: "Here are some ways we can work at the detail level to improve your general capacity to be consistent:
1. Make it as enjoyable as possible.
2. Make your goal public knowledge.
3. Make time for the activity you want to undertake.
4. Don't set the bar too high too early.
5. Make it easy to say yes (or no).
6. Track your progress.
7. Make decisions now."
Michal declares: "If you really want to be satisfied in your life, to say goodbye to your frustrations, you must start enjoying the process of achievement, not just the destination itself." So grab this book and start that journey, and if you are already on it, it will likely help you forward. "Realize this: there is no magic formula that ensures results through processes you will always enjoy. Keeping your focus on being consistent is often plain hard work. But if you don't get at least some satisfaction from the steps along the way, your chances for staying consistent in your efforts will lessen rapidly." So get the book and let's get to work!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books my Michal.
...
This book showed up in my Amazon recommendations. I am very thankful that it did. Now at first I was hesitant to buy this book based on the price point, number of pages and not knowing the author. But at the time his book The Fitness Expert Next Door (How to Change Your Life in 10 Minutes a Day) was available for free on Amazon. I read it and loved it. I have read 5 of Stawicki's 8 books in the last few weeks and will finish the remaining books soon. One of the quotes from this book that grabbed me most was "Understand that each decision or action in your life could be the beginning of a change in direction." Reading this book can be one of those decisions for you!
Some reviews of Michal's books criticize the English. And Michal admits that his native tongue is not English, but he does an excellent job communicating. And the few rough phrasings are more than made up for by the quality of the content. In another review I compare his writings to those of Robin Sharma, Stephen R. Covey, Dan Millman and John C. Maxwell. This book is short, concise and relays some great information. And it is not just head knowledge it is knowledge that Michal has gained from making changes in his own life. The power of story, his story, and stories he uses of others to give examples beyond his own can motivate you to making changes in your own life.
The chapters in this book are:
1. The Instant Gratification Curse
2. Closing the Gap
3. Definition
4. Four Lessons from a Millionaire
5. The Significance of Consistency
- Paco
6. Two Kinds of Motivation
7. Utilizing Motivation
- Ellyn
8. Purpose
9. Purposeful Motivation
10. Mission
- Teri
11. Personal Philosophy
12. Shape Your Philosophy
13. Cornerstones
- Ludvig
14. Tiny Habits
15. Tracking
16. Focus
- Stan
17. No Blueprint
Summary
Each chapter has the main teaching points and then a Knowledge Items summary at the end, and some have action items so you can start putting the tips into practice. I found I copied a number of these Knowledge summaries as reminders of next steps. On page 22 he states "Intention, attitude, and commitment determine your consistency" This knowledge point was one of the most impactful for me in the book. He also provides links to some other articles, TED talks and other resources to go deeper on some of the key teachings. Later in the book he declares "If you wanted to walk north, you would follow a compass. The compass needle would show you the way. Reason-powered motivation is your internal compass, always pointing you north. It's the real reason for starting and continuing a discipline. It is a values-driven decision from deep inside that you want a certain result. Some days you will not feel much like going out and working toward it. The flames in your fire may be burning low from time to time, particularly after a big discouragement. But the fire never goes out.
You can't depend on emotion-based motivation to fuel consistency. Depending on emotional motivation is a recipe for catastrophe as emotions are not constant.
Rather, you should place much more reliance on reason-fueled motivation. The real reasons for a journey don't just disappear in one instant. Your ambition to go "north" will motivate you to keep going when the going gets tough. It can back you up when you lose your hope. It can add a needed pinch of passion to your mundane activities, which will make them interesting enough that you continue your journey. It may save your life literally and metaphorically." Further on he says: "You can do this too. Motivate yourself with purpose-driven self-talk and reflection every day, and you will enjoy a fresh source of sustained energy that will propel you towards your goals.
Motivation is a powerful tool. Look for ways to motivate yourself into action by drawing strength from the inspiration that comes from your ideas and the power that comes from your beliefs and values." From these two and the following quote "A life purpose is so powerful because, as its name says, it's a part of your whole life. It's always deep in your heart and will support you in your struggles" we get the main point of his argument. In order for changes to take hold, for them to last and become habits the desire to change needs to be values based, and not just passion based. From that values centred if you can craft your life purpose, and work towards it every day it will fuel the journey and drive the change even when you hit the hard times.
What is your purpose, are you striving towards something or just existing? Michal says: "Your personal philosophy is your life attitude, which is formed by all of your past experiences and the meanings you gave them. It's your accumulated life knowledge and wisdom. As you become aware that you have an attitude towards life, you can systematically investigate and develop it using your analytic abilities. Unfortunately, not many people do this. For most people, their personal philosophy is just something that has molded itself through various life experiences rather than something they deliberately shaped." Are you willing to work to find your purpose and then pursue it? If so this book and his book A Personal Mission Statement: Your Road Map to Happiness will help you along that path.
Some of the best advice in the books is: "Here are some ways we can work at the detail level to improve your general capacity to be consistent:
1. Make it as enjoyable as possible.
2. Make your goal public knowledge.
3. Make time for the activity you want to undertake.
4. Don't set the bar too high too early.
5. Make it easy to say yes (or no).
6. Track your progress.
7. Make decisions now."
Michal declares: "If you really want to be satisfied in your life, to say goodbye to your frustrations, you must start enjoying the process of achievement, not just the destination itself." So grab this book and start that journey, and if you are already on it, it will likely help you forward. "Realize this: there is no magic formula that ensures results through processes you will always enjoy. Keeping your focus on being consistent is often plain hard work. But if you don't get at least some satisfaction from the steps along the way, your chances for staying consistent in your efforts will lessen rapidly." So get the book and let's get to work!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books my Michal.
April 19, 2017
This was an insightful book on how important consistency is in the art of persistence.
Below are some really important things to remember about consistency:
"Focus on consistency, not on the results. They will come with time if you persevere. If you give up, there is no power in the universe (maybe except a divine intervention) that can help you get the results you desire. Being consistent is more important than being successful. Consistency leads to success, not the other way around."
"Consistent action will eventually provide results. I have had results in every new habit when I have continued it for more than a year. Sometimes I got results very quickly. Fuel your consistency and this vehicle will inevitably bring you to your destination."
Below are some really important things to remember about consistency:
"Focus on consistency, not on the results. They will come with time if you persevere. If you give up, there is no power in the universe (maybe except a divine intervention) that can help you get the results you desire. Being consistent is more important than being successful. Consistency leads to success, not the other way around."
"Consistent action will eventually provide results. I have had results in every new habit when I have continued it for more than a year. Sometimes I got results very quickly. Fuel your consistency and this vehicle will inevitably bring you to your destination."
April 13, 2015
I really liked and learned from this book.
This book was a "let's get down to business" type of self help book. I enjoyed reading this book and it was obvious that the author didn't write this book just to make a quick buck, but he really wants to help. If you like reading Tony Robbins books, you will appreciate this book. The book isn't long but it says what it needs to say.
This book was a "let's get down to business" type of self help book. I enjoyed reading this book and it was obvious that the author didn't write this book just to make a quick buck, but he really wants to help. If you like reading Tony Robbins books, you will appreciate this book. The book isn't long but it says what it needs to say.
June 4, 2015
This simple book was well written and informative. It caused me to review some things in my life and add additional accountability measures that I am sure will become habits. I look forward to Michal progressing and improving with his writing; I find it to be refreshingly honest.
January 1, 2018
Does not deliver...
This book did not click for me at all. I was looking for some tools, strategies etc. to improve my consistency. Instead read 100 or so pages with definitions of purpose, goals, life philosophy and so on. With no actual guidance of how to create each of those for oneself. Book tells you high-level “what”, but does not tell “how”.
And the fact it is written in “Polish” English with grammar mistakes etc. makes it even more “amateur”. I am also from Poland and my English is not great either, but if I was planning to publish a book, at least I’d run it by English native editor found on fiverr or similar.
I can’t recommend this book to anyone.
This book did not click for me at all. I was looking for some tools, strategies etc. to improve my consistency. Instead read 100 or so pages with definitions of purpose, goals, life philosophy and so on. With no actual guidance of how to create each of those for oneself. Book tells you high-level “what”, but does not tell “how”.
And the fact it is written in “Polish” English with grammar mistakes etc. makes it even more “amateur”. I am also from Poland and my English is not great either, but if I was planning to publish a book, at least I’d run it by English native editor found on fiverr or similar.
I can’t recommend this book to anyone.
April 20, 2024
In "The Art of Persistence," Michal Stawicki delivers a potent mix of personal stories, practical advice, and psychological insights to guide readers on their journey to success. With refreshing honesty, Stawicki acknowledges the challenges of pursuing one's goals while offering actionable strategies to overcome them. This book is not just about achieving success; it's a manifesto for living a purpose-driven life. Readers will find inspiration and practical tools to cultivate resilience, align their actions with their values, and pursue their dreams with passion and authenticity. If you're ready to unlock your full potential and embrace the art of persistence, this book is a must-read.
June 5, 2017
This writer writes really good titles and blurbs that make the book sound great. However, I was very disappointed, there really was not anything of any real substance here. Do not really remeber many details now as I had read it over a month ago.
December 18, 2017
Worth Reading!
Easy to read and full of practical, concrete advice that can be implemented immediately. The author is inspiring and approachable, he is truly dedicated to helping others and improving the human race by encouraging us all to do better.
Easy to read and full of practical, concrete advice that can be implemented immediately. The author is inspiring and approachable, he is truly dedicated to helping others and improving the human race by encouraging us all to do better.
February 26, 2018
His story is my story
When I read this book and others by Michal Stawicki, it is as if I am reading my own thoughts. Much of what he says i have heard before, but he makes me actually want to DO IT. Thanks Michal.
When I read this book and others by Michal Stawicki, it is as if I am reading my own thoughts. Much of what he says i have heard before, but he makes me actually want to DO IT. Thanks Michal.
March 28, 2021
This book has changed the way I look my current project. From being an inconsistent doubtful creator to getting results I thought were only a dream to me. I really recommend this book if you are working on whatever to improve your life.
God bless this author
God bless this author
July 31, 2024
I found this book to be informative and inspirational. Stawicki provided inspiration for me to discover ways overcome obstacles recently preventing me from writing and running - activities I've loved since I was a teenager.
April 21, 2025
Great book with lot of interesting information
Michal speaks in volumes about a variety of ideas to develop persistent approach towards life. Great work with lot of other references as well.
Michal speaks in volumes about a variety of ideas to develop persistent approach towards life. Great work with lot of other references as well.
May 30, 2017
The author doesn't offer a lot of new content, but offers incredibly valuable information in a quick read. I found myself much more motivated while reading this and putting its principles into action. I definitely recommend this meaty, motivating book when you're looking for inspiration to get things done.
July 12, 2015
An interesting book
It took me a month or so to read through this book. When I wasn't reading it I did think about some of the ideas and words that he wrote. Chewing on them and of course trying to decide what I thought of it. Some of it I felt was just mumbo-jumbo while some of it wasn't. Now that I am finished I will again chew on his words and decide if what he wrote is right for me. Not sure if I would recommend the book but I won't discourage it either. It is one that you must read and then decide for yourself.
It took me a month or so to read through this book. When I wasn't reading it I did think about some of the ideas and words that he wrote. Chewing on them and of course trying to decide what I thought of it. Some of it I felt was just mumbo-jumbo while some of it wasn't. Now that I am finished I will again chew on his words and decide if what he wrote is right for me. Not sure if I would recommend the book but I won't discourage it either. It is one that you must read and then decide for yourself.
May 4, 2015
An excellent compilation of practical ideas to improve consistency in your life
The development of new habits is an exercise worth doing and sometimes not easy to put into practice. However, this book shows the reader how to obtain success in this area through very practical concepts and real people's examples. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The development of new habits is an exercise worth doing and sometimes not easy to put into practice. However, this book shows the reader how to obtain success in this area through very practical concepts and real people's examples. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 20, 2015
Thought Provoking
I hadnt realized the way small consistant acts can shape your life, for better or worse! I learned a great deal and am working on placing some new habits in my life. Engaging and highly recommended!
I hadnt realized the way small consistant acts can shape your life, for better or worse! I learned a great deal and am working on placing some new habits in my life. Engaging and highly recommended!
April 18, 2015
Great motivation!
This book is exactly what I needed to get motivated, and implement some positive changes in my life! Highly recommend!
This book is exactly what I needed to get motivated, and implement some positive changes in my life! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews