How Does Persistence Help to Achieve Our Goals?

Vincent van Gogh was a brilliant artist, but he only sold one painting during his lifetime. Decades later, his works were selling for millions of dollars.

In addition to his artistic talents, Vincent was prophetic. He recognized the value of his work when he once said:

I can't change the fact that my paintings don't sell. But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.

Creating painting after painting, Vincent was not selling what would eventually be recognized as masterpieces. Can you explain his persistence? Was he driven by something internal? If so, what would that be?

Have you ever wanted to achieve a goal that always seemed out-of-reach? How do you develop the patience to keep working toward that goal? 

Vincent eventually reached the superstar level of the artistic world (although he didn't live long-enough to realize that achievement). Was his persistence worth it? Why, or why not?

Would you consider persistence to be a valuable character trait? Why, or why not?