The Difference Between Persistence and Perseverance
Persistence is simply the act of pursuing a course of action with the same energy and consistency. Perseverance is the ability to maintain that same energy and consistency through the process of overcoming painful circumstances.
The difference is subtle, but noteworthy. Almost anyone can be persistent when the pain of failure, fatigue, boredom, fear, or trauma is not a factor. In other words, persistence in the absence of pain is nothing special.
On the other hand, once the pain of failure, fatigue, boredom, fear, or trauma becomes part of the process persistence is no longer the only requirement. It takes more than persistence to continue to pursue that course of action. It now takes perseverance. To persevere one must use their willpower to both not quit and not give less effort.
Therefore, a persistent person can be stopped but a person who is both persistent and who has the will to persevere is unstoppable.