The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Ann WiDDecombe, 69, is a former mP turned novelist and TV personality, who memorably appeared in 2010’s Strictly come Dancing. She is single and lives in Dartmoor, Devon.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
WhilE trying to be selected as a prospective Conservative MP in the late Seventies and early Eighties, i must have been to 100 interviews before i got a safe seat. You could paper a room with my rejection letters.
Twice i was chosen to stand in labour and liberal strongholds and although i did well — managing to halve the labour majority in Burnley in 1979 and going up against (Sir) David Owen in Devonport four years later — i wasn’t elected and had to keep on applying.
i wasn’t even interviewed for some seats i applied for. Terrifically disappointing. My lowest moment was when a tactless friend told me, ‘if you haven’t got Torbay, you’ll never get any- thing.’ it was the first time i thought she could be right: i wasn’t getting anywhere. But i carried on and, three interviews later, i was asked to represent Maidstone, which i won in the 1987 General Election. What made me carry on? Well, i asked myself if i really wanted this. i decided i did, so what was the point of giving up? i had to stick it out. i believe you shouldn’t give up on anything you consider worth doing.
i believe persistence pays off and if you keep trying, it will eventually happen. if you give up too early, it paves the road for regret later in life.
i think my determination is a pretty ingrained characteristic. My parents were both very determined, as was my older brother, Malcolm.
i failed my first driving test and didn’t get into Oxford University first time. But both were worth doing so i kept going. And once you get into the habit of trying again, it gets easier. it’s a crucial lesson when you’re young — it’s no good saying ‘if only i’d applied myself’ when you’re older. it’s too late then.
i believe much of our fate is in our own hands and if you’re determined and something’s worth doing, no one else should stand in your way.
Mind you, sometimes persistence doesn’t pay off. After all, i’ve applied to be chair of Countdown three times, but haven’t yet landed the job. The Dancing Detective by Ann Widdecombe,£6.99 at Amazon.co.uk.