Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra - Yoga and Total Health, January 2016
The Yoga Sutra gives importance to Abhyasa (perseverance) of the highest kind. The Yogi is very clear about gaining the highest kind of mental attitude and result. He works towards it with determination, clarity and certainty. There is no other thought except to achieve the goal.
We sometimes come across such examples in different areas. During the Kargil war, a commander asked a team of soldiers to capture a certain very strategic area. The team struggled and probably lost half of its men but the orders were to continue. Ultimately, there was only 10% of the original team left, yet they succeeded. Such a spirit is needed in yoga.
In contrast, our efforts are absolutely meagre. We just have these things to read, none of which is put into practice. Not the simplest thing like asana. It is just a 'touch and go', so naturally, the good of yoga does not come. Even if we have a single thing which is done sincerely, it could bring results. Tradition says that if you sit in the same place at the same time every day for a year, you will gain what you want. But these are just stories... We, in the depth of our hearts, do not have the determination.