Vince Lombardi, a legendary coach, defines success not by a lack of failure, but by one's response to it. Everyone, without exception, gets "knocked down" by life. This is a universal experience and not a measure of a person.

The true test of character lies in what happens next. The choice to "get up"—to learn from the setback, to refuse to be defined by it, and to continue moving forward—is what separates those who ultimately succeed from those who remain defeated. This is the essence of perseverance.

This quote simplifies the complex journey of achievement into one crucial habit: the habit of rising. It teaches us that our power is not in avoiding falls, but in our unwavering resilience and our consistent decision to get back on our feet.