Persistence isn’t just about grinding through challenges—it’s about learning the art of jumping through hoops until there are none left to jump through. It’s a skill, a mindset, and sometimes, a test of how badly you want what’s on the other side.
I’ve learned this lesson in the mountains, in the ocean depths, and in the everyday battles of life and business. Every expedition, project, and personal pursuit has come with its share of bureaucratic red tape, unforeseen obstacles, and the kind of frustrating roadblocks that make you question if it’s even worth it. The answer, more often than not, is yes—because most people quit before the last hoop.
The Hoops Are There for a Reason
At first, it’s easy to see obstacles as unfair. The permits, the paperwork, the endless waiting, the unexpected complications—it all feels like unnecessary resistance. But resistance has a purpose. It separates the committed from the curious, the resilient from the reluctant. It forces us to refine our approach, to sharpen our skills, to become better problem solvers.
I’ve watched people give up too soon. They hit the first few hoops and decide it’s too much. They see the gatekeepers and assume the door is locked. But the truth is, most doors will open if you push long enough, learn the right moves, and keep showing up.
The Skill of Jumping Through Hoops
This isn’t about blind persistence. It’s about learning the system, understanding the process, and adapting as you go. You don’t just brute-force your way through; you learn the rhythm, the timing, and sometimes, the patience required to let the next hoop come to you.
There were times in my career—whether it was leading expeditions, launching businesses, obtaining required credentials, or navigating life’s personal challenges—when I wanted to throw in the towel. But what I’ve come to realize is that the last hoop is always closer than it seems. You just have to outlast the process.
Until There Are None Left
Eventually, the hoops start to disappear. What once seemed like an impenetrable wall becomes a series of manageable steps. The obstacles that once felt insurmountable now feel like just another part of the game. And on the other side? The summit, the opportunity, the success, or simply the satisfaction of knowing you didn’t quit.
So if you’re in the middle of the process, staring down another hoop, just know—there’s an end to them. Keep jumping, keep learning, and keep going. Most people quit before the last hoop. Don’t be most people.
Photo by Chinh Le Duc
