"Par la persévérance l'escargot atteignit l'arche."

Perseverance is what keeps us moving forward even when progress seems slow. The core idea here is that no matter how sluggishly you advance, steadfastness will eventually get you to your goal. Think about it: a snail, which is probably one of the slowest creatures on Earth, managed to reach Noah's Ark. It didn't get there by being fast or flashy; it got there through sheer determination.

Historically, this saying might bring to mind the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, where pairs of every creature were gathered to survive a great flood. The snail, despite its slow pace, made it on board because it kept moving. It’s a metaphor that’s been used to inspire those who feel their progress is too slow to matter.

Let's bring this to life with a real example. Picture someone training for a marathon. They start out running just a mile, and it’s tough. They’re out of breath, their legs hurt, and the finish line feels a long way off. But they keep at it. Each day, they add a little more distance. Some days are better than others. Occasionally, they might feel like they’re barely moving. But, over time, all those small steps add up. Months later, they’re running 26.2 miles and crossing that marathon finish line.

So how do you apply this idea to your life? First, break your big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. It’s easier to keep moving if you have small, achievable steps rather than one colossal mountain to climb. Keep your focus on the next step, not the entire journey ahead. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

Now, imagine you’re working on a big project—writing a book, starting a business, learning a new skill. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might look at others who seem to be sprinting ahead and feel discouraged. But here’s the thing: success isn’t a race. It’s about persistence. Write a page every day. Make one phone call. Practice for 15 minutes. These small efforts, repeated over time, will get you there.

Think of Jane, a friend of mine. She always dreamt of becoming a graphic designer. She started with zero experience, just a love for art. She took online courses, practiced every day, and even offered free projects to build her portfolio. It wasn’t glamorous, and progress was slow. But she stuck with it. Today, she’s working at a top design firm, doing what she loves. Jane’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance.

To sum it up, don’t get discouraged if you’re not moving as quickly as you’d like. The snail got to the ark because it didn’t stop. Take your time, keep moving forward, and remember that perseverance will get you to your destination—even if it feels like you’re crawling.