What does "persistence" in the context of motivation describe?

In the context of motivation, "persistence" specifically refers to how long a person will try to achieve a goal despite obstacles or difficulties that may arise. It illustrates the duration of effort an individual maintains in pursuit of their objectives, emphasizing the importance of sustained effort over time in achieving long-term success.

While an individual's level of effort may vary (which relates more closely to how hard a person will try), persistence focuses primarily on the commitment to continue striving towards a goal. This means that even in the face of setbacks, a persistent individual remains dedicated to their objectives for as long as necessary, demonstrating resilience and determination over time.

Other factors, such as direction of effort and the ability to overcome challenges, may contribute to motivation but do not encapsulate the essence of persistence as it is specifically understood in motivational psychology.