The word endeavour is one of my upmost favourite words that exists within the English language. Not only does it sound sophisticated and eloquent, but when used in conversation this one word stands for such an important quality and trait. When one endeavours to do something they put all their efforts into achieving that goal or aim. Synonyms that spring to mind when one considers the action of endeavour can include:
Grit
Resilience
Motivation
Determination
Getting up and dusting oneself down after a set back
Perseverance
Inner strength
Learning and improving from making mistakes
Whilst I was considering and pondering the word endeavour the term praxis also popped into my head. Being honest, I haven’t given much thought into this word since my student days and in relation to Philosophy and Marxism. Described and explained as a “unity of theory and practical activity” (Wainwright, 2022), praxis refers to when theory, knowledge and skills are put into practice and are acted upon in reality. In this way, praxis can refer to pretty much any human activity that requires independent and conscious thought, planning, practice and application (Oxford University Press, 2022). Applying this to a real-life situation, humans constantly learn new skills and techniques throughout their lives. In showing praxis, and putting these skills into practice and action, we can also show endeavour by continuing to develop and hone these skills and abilities even when things don’t go to plan.
Think of a child riding their bike without the stabilisers for the first time. They’ve spent time learning how to peddle, showing their ability to complete praxis, and now they’re ready to cycle on just two wheels. Despite toppling over a few times and falling off they strive and continue to get back on and ride their bike; determined to show all that they can succeed. Crucially, this shows endeavour and resilience.
Within a previous blog post from 2021 I explored why resilience is so important for dyslexic individuals and how and why this resilience can need topping up, recharging and restoring. This post acts as a sequel and aims to go one step further by adding endeavour into this equation. As discussed within this previously published blog post, possessing resilience is so important for neurodiverse individuals due to the challenges they face within their daily lives. Vitally, this can include reading, writing and processing as well as the adverse emotional and psychological impacts dyslexia can hold (Discussing The Dyslexic Brain, 2021). Due to the challenges and adversities strewn across everyday life, dyslexic individuals can use individualised techniques to boost and recharge their resilience levels when required. Please see link below for this blog which provides further details.
Because the ability to remain resilience is of such importance for dyslexics, by extension so too is endeavour. At its grassroots endeavour is all about effort. Putting in effort and maintaining that effort yields results. Expressed within literature so often dyslexics have to work harder and work for longer to achieve their goals compared to others (Discussing the Dyslexic Brain, 2020). Despite the added fatigue and stress this can cause it emphasises a real inner strength and excellent trait that dyslexic individuals can possess. This ability to sustain and uphold high levels of effort and endeavour is a real asset; of which does not go unnoticed. Showing consistent resilience involves high levels of effort. Maintaining high levels of effort also demonstrates and shows an ability to maintain resilience. Therefore, both terms go hand in hand, interrelate and interconnect.
The phrase ‘endeavour to endeavour’ stresses the importance of having and maintaining effort to keep up a high level of effort. One could also apply the expression being determined to stay determined. As has been explored, endeavour, alongside resilience, is a key trait and ability for dyslexic individuals. By completing praxis and putting into practice their resilient side and endeavouring nature, dyslexic individuals can create an excellent formula for success.
Useful Links
Discussing the Dyslexic Brian. (2020). Dyslexia and Fatigue.
Discussing The Dyslexic Brain. (2021). Recharging Resilience
Oxford University Press. (2022). Oxford Reference Overview of Praxis.
Wainwright, J. (2022). Praxis, Rethinking Marxism, A Journal of Economics, Culture & Society, 34(1): 41-62.
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