The Power of Perseverance: Althea Gibson's Legacy and the Four F's of Transformation

How many things have you left undone?

How many honey-does … Are you waiting for you?

How many unsaid words that need to be said?  Maybe it is to your spouse, child, or parent.  Maybe to the person that may become your partner for life.

Maybe it's the business you did not start or the vacation you did not take.

What is stopping you from taking the trip, starting your business, taking the trip, or making the phone call.

I clearly don’t know what it is but whatever it is.  The point is, it will not matter if you do not finish the thing.

I saw a profile on linked in today and it says.  And I paraphrase for a few reason…”Get over yourself and do the thing”

Althea Gibson: A Testament to Determination

Let me tell you a story about another African American that had a dream of becoming a professional athlete.

She was born in 1927 just before the depression. Born in Silver, South Carolina and shortly moved to Harlem become the first African American Women to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.  That’s right there were a few African American women that played Tennis before the well known and groundbreaking Williams Sisters.

She started at age 12 and kept playing and winning until she retired. But that is not how she finished.  She went on to be the first black woman to compete in professional golf.  Now she did not win in major events but she won.  She won by facing down those that opposed her by not letting her stay in hotels with the other athletes or eat with the other athletes.  She kept going until she finished.  .

In the face of adversity, the ability to see a task through to completion is a hallmark of success. Althea Gibson's journey from a young girl in Harlem to a trailblazer in tennis and golf exemplifies this unwavering commitment. Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to achieve their goals.

Her ability to break into two different professional worlds while growing up in poverty as a black woman and reaching to the highest level shows her determination to finish what she started.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Importance of Finishing What You Start

Gibson's story underscores a crucial principle: success often requires seeing things through.  You know “Get over yourself and do the thing.” 

Many start projects or set goals but falter before completion. How is your new year's resolution going?

Why do we do it? Perhaps it's a lack of belief. Or maybe you simply lose interest and focus on the goal because it takes longer than expected.

As Bill Gates is given credit for saying.

“People overestimate what they can do in a year but underestimate what can be done in ten”.

Although it seems redundant.  You cannot complete anything until you finish it.

The Four F's of Transformation

There is a good chance your goals can be achieved with a little Faith, Focus, and learning the skill of finishing.  Like Althea Gibson, consider embracing the Four F's of Transformation:

1. Faith: Believe in your abilities and the value of your goals. This foundational confidence fuels motivation and resilience.

2. Focus: Maintain a clear vision of your objectives. Eliminating distractions and concentrating on the task at hand enhances productivity and progress.

3. Finish: Commit to completing your endeavors. Recognize that the journey may be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment upon completion is invaluable.

4. Fun: Incorporate enjoyment into your pursuits. Finding joy in the process can sustain motivation and make the journey more fulfilling.

A Call to Action

These principles can transform your approach to personal and professional growth.

We offer a free guide detailing how the Four F's of Transformation—Faith, Focus, Finish, and Fun—can help you build the life you desire.

Download the guide today and take the first step toward realizing your full potential.

Remember, like Althea Gibson, your path to success may be challenging, but with faith, focus, a commitment to finish, and a sense of fun, you can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

P.S. There are two books available to learn more about the life of Althea Gibson.

Born to Win: The Authorized Biography of Althea Gibson

Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson