What Thriving Looks Like: The Stamina to Keep Going

A Dream That Continued Across Twenty Years

What does thriving look like when a dream takes twenty years to unfold?

It looks like stamina.

Thriving is not always about moving quickly, achieving immediately, or having everything figured out. Sometimes, thriving means continuing faithfully—even when the journey takes longer than expected.

In 2006, I completed and defended my master's thesis, "The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on High School Students' Pathological Internet Use." After my defense, I could have stopped there. I could have set aside the manuscript and PowerPoint presentation and moved on to other responsibilities.

But I saved them.

Somewhere in my heart, I believed there would be a time when this research would be shared again. I did not know when that moment would come, where it would happen, or who would eventually hear the story. I only knew that the work still mattered.

That time has come.

In 2026, the research continues to unfold through a new study, "Cognitive-Behavioral Skills Training for Problematic Internet Use Among Filipino Adolescent Boys: A Pilot RCT." This work will be presented at the California Psychological Association on September 25, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, California.

Twenty years separate these two moments, but the purpose connects them.

Strength Is More Than Endurance

Strength involves the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Strength of the Mind

Strength of the mind means continuing to learn, reflect, and believe that your work has value. It means remaining open to new opportunities, even when the original dream takes a different shape.

Research, education, and personal growth often unfold gradually. What we learn or create today may become the foundation for meaningful work many years later.

Strength of the Body

Strength of the body means recognizing that long journeys require energy, rest, patience, and care. Stamina is not about exhausting yourself. It is about learning how to continue sustainably.

Rest is not a sign of weakness. It is part of responsible progress. When we care for our bodies, we create the capacity to remain faithful to our goals.

Strength of the Spirit

Strength of the spirit means trusting that our efforts have meaning, even when the outcome is uncertain. It means holding on to hope during seasons when progress seems invisible.

Sometimes, spiritual strength looks like prayer. Sometimes, it looks like patience. At other times, it looks like taking one more step despite uncertainty.

Stamina Is Faithfulness Over Time

The theme of Thriving Thursday reminds us that thriving is not always about speed. It is about staying connected to what matters.

Stamina is the ability to continue—not because the path is always easy, but because the purpose remains meaningful.

A dream delayed is not necessarily a dream denied. A long waiting season does not mean that nothing is happening. Sometimes, the foundation is being strengthened before the next chapter is revealed.

What began as a master's thesis in 2006 is still developing through research, learning, and service in 2026. The work continued because the purpose remained alive.

This experience has taught me that unfinished does not mean forgotten. A project may rest for a season and still have a future. A manuscript may remain unseen for years and still carry value. An opportunity may arrive later than expected and still be perfectly timed.

The Courage to Try

When I submitted the paper, I tried to keep my expectations open. I told myself that if it were accepted, that would be wonderful. If it were not accepted, I would still be grateful that I had the courage to try.

That perspective brought freedom.

Sometimes, we place so much pressure on the outcome that we become afraid to begin. We worry about rejection, criticism, or whether our work is good enough. But trying is itself an act of courage.

When we take the next step, we give our dreams an opportunity to grow. We also discover that our worth is not determined by one decision, one submission, or one outcome.

But God continues to surprise me. In His perfect timing, He answered a prayer I had carried for many years.

What Thriving Looks Like

Thriving can look different from what we expect. It may not look like constant progress, public recognition, or immediate success.

It may look like:

• Keeping a dream alive during uncertain seasons
• Returning to meaningful work after a long pause
• Continuing to learn and grow
• Taking one faithful step at a time
• Caring for your mind, body, and spirit
• Trusting God's timing
• Celebrating progress, even when it comes later than expected

The twenty-year journey from one presentation to another reminds me that our timelines do not determine the value of our work. Sometimes, the impact of our efforts becomes visible only after years of preparation.

A Reflection for Your Journey

Perhaps there is something in your life that has taken longer than expected. Maybe it is a degree, a career goal, a relationship, a creative project, or a personal transformation.

You may wonder whether you should continue. You may feel that too much time has passed. You may question whether the dream still has a place in your life.

Before you give up, consider what the waiting season may have developed in you.

Perhaps you have gained wisdom, resilience, compassion, or a deeper understanding of your purpose. Perhaps the dream has matured along with you. Perhaps the next chapter requires the person you have become through the journey.

Ask yourself:

• What dream have I carried longer than expected?
• Where have I demonstrated stamina, even if no one else noticed?
• What part of my mind, body, or spirit needs greater care?
• What faithful step can I take toward my next chapter?

You do not have to complete everything today. You only need to take the next step.

A Simple Practice for Today

Identify one meaningful goal that requires stamina. Then choose one small action:

• Review one page of unfinished work.
• Send one important email.
• Set aside fifteen minutes for focused progress.
• Organize an old file, manuscript, or idea.
• Schedule time for rest and renewal.
• Write down one reason the goal still matters to you.

Small, consistent actions can carry a dream across many years. A single step may feel insignificant, but repeated steps can take you farther than you imagined.

Final Thought

Thriving is not always about how fast you arrive. It is about having the stamina to remain connected to what matters.

Your dream may take time, but delay is not defeat. Keep growing. Keep showing up. Keep trusting.

Every faithful step can lead to a meaningful new chapter.

After twenty years, this research is still unfolding—and so is the dream.

God is good all the time.

Journal Prompt

Where is God inviting me to practice stamina in my mind, body, and spirit during this season of my life?

Tiny Action

Take one small step toward a meaningful, long-term goal today.

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational and inspirational purposes only and does not replace personalized psychological, medical, or professional advice. If you are experiencing mental-health concerns, please consult a qualified professional.