Through persistence comes strength – 継続は力なり
During my first year in Japan, back in 1992, a dear friend taught me a Japanese saying. He wrote it on a piece of paper and tacked it to his wall. The saying was short and easy, and I’ve never forgotten it. I remember his handwriting, the paper, and even the color of the wall. Nearly 30 years later, that saying still guides me.
In Japanese, the saying is keizoku wa chikara nari. Keizoku means to continue doing something, to carry on, to persist at something, or persevere. Chikara means strength and power. Altogether, the saying implies that strength or power comes from carrying on with something.
Through persistence comes strength.
There are many similar sayings in English. They talk about having or asking for the strength to carry on. The English quotes imply that we first need the power, or need to find the strength to continue. This Japanese saying turns it around. We don’t need the strength to continue. Instead, we gain strength THROUGH our effort to keep going.
It makes perfect sense to me. The power of water and wind are two examples of how this works in nature. Trees and their slow growth into powerful beings are another. It also proves true in relationships and business.
I quit my last full-time job in December 1999 and have been my own boss since January 2000. At the time, I didn’t associate myself with the word entrepreneur and never imagined becoming an online entrepreneur. All I knew is that I had to keep going. I had to keep at it.
Like any tree, my business has lost some branches along the way and we’ve weathered a few storms, but I keep going.
Continuing is what makes me strong.
Though I have big dreams, I don’t have to accomplish everything all at once. I simply need to keep going, keep growing and keep doing a little more. And then a little more.
Some days I don’t feel like I have any power. Then I remember this saying and take one more little step. The action, however small, makes my blood flow, and then yes, I feel my power!
Note: This was originally published in September 2014 and was updated in January 2020.
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About the Author:
Hi! I’m Marci. I’ve lived in Japan for over 30 years, blending tech, language, and healing in my work. Through caregiving for my father-in-law with Alzheimer’s and supporting my husband’s cancer recovery, I discovered the importance of yoyu—having the time, energy, and emotional reserves to thrive. Now, I share these insights through writing, coaching, and creative projects. My upcoming memoir, Otosan, tells the story of those five transformative years. Let’s connect and create more yoyu in our lives!
