Here's an inspiring story about the 16th President of The United States of America on the Virtue of Persistence!

Abraham Lincoln was listening to the story of a nervous friend who was narrating about the failures and misfortunes of his life. After his narration was over, Abraham Lincoln told the person to have a glance at aboard. The friend of Lincoln minutely glanced at the board and read the content written on the board. The content written on the board was the list of failures that occurred to Abraham Lincoln during his life. After reading the content on the board, a new shine of hope appeared on the person’s face and he heartily thanked Lincoln for showing him a new direction towards his goal.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President two years later in 1860. He went on to lead the US through its greatest crisis: the American Civil War. He was able to preserve the Union while ending slavery and charted a course for rebuilding the war-torn country. He didn't let anyone of his failures stop him from fulfilling his calling. In fact, it may well have been because of his failures that he was able to lead America at such a difficult time.

Let’s take a glance at the list of disheartening failures that Lincoln smiling endured and went on to become a great leader of America.

Unsuccessful in business ( at age of 21)
Miserably lost in legislative elections (at age of 22)
Faced the untimely death of his sweetheart (at age of 24)
Suffered a severe nervous breakdown (at age of 27)
Defeated in Congressional race (at age of 34)
Faced failure of becoming a Senator (at age of 45)
Failed again in becoming a Vice President (at age of 47)
Had to overcome the failure of losing Senatorial race (at age of 49)
Finally became the 16th President of The United States of America (at age of 52)

A lot of people would have given up after the first failed business. Such heartbreaking failures could lead any person to a nervous breakdown or dampen his confidence. But Lincoln faced every disappointment and failure with courage and marched on to the path of success and leadership and kept ongoing. His life was an inspiring story of courage that inspired countless leaders and upcoming youngsters all over the globe.

Abraham Lincoln is a perfect example of why you can't let setbacks knock you down for long. His life made a difference in the world and yours can too if you just keep going after your dreams.