When I was much younger, my orthodontist showed me a quote by one of our Presidents that he had framed on the wall of his office-- I never forgot it even 30 years later.

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.  - Calvin Coolidge

In my book, these are words to live by . . . they have served me well.