Diligence and fortitude help us to imitate the ant. Unlike Sisyphus (the Greek mythology character who had to roll a boulder up a hill over and over for eternity), we have the opportunity to lift those burdens and either carry them through to the end of their journeys or throw them over the edge so we can move forward.

Sometimes I feel that my problems weigh as much as the stone for that ant. Willingness is necessary to combat sloth, and strength and bravery are necessary to conquer any fears. And it doesn’t hurt to throw in a little tenacity. Those who possess any characteristics like these can be as diligent as the ant, or at least make attempts to move that stone.

Not everyone can carry that much weight and may need some help sometimes, but making the effort to take a step in that direction is also diligence. Step-by-step protocols were designed for those who don’t have an “S” on their chest.