Abraham Lincoln: A great example of persistence which leads to success

By Tom Okure

ICMS, Inc Reports

Abraham Lincoln was a civil rights activist, U.S. representative, U.S. President and lawyer.  

But Did You Know That:

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty, and throughout his life he encountered defeat and various setbacks. He was defeated in eight elections he contested, his business failed twice and he suffered a nervous breakdown. 

If you want to learn about persistence, you don’t have to look any further. He refused to give up and give in even after so many setbacks. In the end his persistence paid off as he became one of America’s greatest presidents in history. Below is a review of his personal and career struggles which eventually led him to the White House:

• 1816 ..His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
• 1818 ..His mother died.
• 1831 ..Failed in business.
• 1832 ..Ran for state legislature - lost.
• l832 ..Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.
• 1833 ..Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
• 1834 ..Ran for state legislature again - won.
• 1835 ..Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
• 1836 ..Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
• 1838 ..Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated.
• 1840 ..Sought to become elector - defeated.
• 1843 ..Ran for Congress - lost.
• 1846 ..Ran for Congress again - this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job.
• 1848 ..Ran for re-election to Congress - lost.
• 1849 ..Sought the job of land officer in his home state - rejected.
• 1854 ..Ran for Senate of the United States - lost.
• 1856 ..Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - get less than 100 votes.
• 1858 ..Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost.
• 1860 ..Elected president of the United States.

In the end, Abraham Lincoln persistence paid off as he became the 16th president of the United States. He is credited for preserving the Union during the U.S. Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. Learn more about this great American hero.

Link: Biography of Abraham Lincoln


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