A Lesson in Determination

de·ter·mi·na·tion

[dih-tur-muh-ney-shuhn] noun

1. The act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose; 2. The decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced; 3. The quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose; 4. A fixed purpose or intention: It is my determination to suppress vice ; 5. Fixed direction or tendency toward some object or end.

An Observation

On my drive to work the other morning I actually noticed something for the first time, that was not an uncommon sight. It being a Saturday, there were several cyclists on the road, enjoying their morning ride.

This phenomenon, as I already mentioned, was by no means unusual, considering I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland (which is quite a beautiful place to not only bike ride, but walk, swim, surf, kite board, hike etc. – the list is endless). The road I travel to work runs parallel to the ocean – terrible I know! – which also makes it popular for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. What was unusual on this particular morning however, and what made me take note of the cyclists on the road, was the fact that it was raining.

Now, don’t get me wrong here, this rain was heavy, not just a simple shower, and it was no freak of nature, since it had been raining here for the past week (We are located in a sub-tropical area and Summer is our wet season).

So what perked up my interest at this particular moment, was the fact that the cyclists I observed, who were enjoying their early Saturday morning ride in the rain, knew very well that there was a 95% chance it would be raining on this day. With this knowledge though, they still chose to get up, get into their riding gear and go for their 20 – 30km ride – allowing NOTHING to stand in their way.

Learning an Important Lesson

Their DETERMINATION is what struck me as I sped past them at 60kph, comfortable within the dry interior of my car. It was at this moment that I realised that it was these people, rather than myself who were focused and centered on their immediate goals. For they had set their goal (their ride and destination), identified the obstacles (the pounding rain and wet road) and continued anyway. They perhaps adjusted their approach by wearing different clothing or taking extra precautions with their bikes, but they still chose to go ahead with their plan as intended.

THEY DID NOT LET ANYTHING SWAY THEM FROM ACHIEVING THEIR INTENDED GOAL.

The fact that they were so DETERMINED to partake in an event that they so clearly enjoyed, that they would not let a little (or in this case quite a lot) of Rain stop them, was very admirable.

This kind of DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE for a simple goal of going for a bike ride is so inspiring. The people who I witnessed on my drive to work, enjoying their favourite activity in spite of the supposed obstacles in their way have much to teach us. If this kind of DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE can be witnessed in view of a relatively simple goal such as a bike ride, then it doesn’t take much to imagine how easily one could achieve something much greater.

Exploring Determination

The first definition of determination above implies that upon coming to a decision or by settling a purpose that determination is present. Many of us may find that decisions can be made easily, however, taking action is where many of us fall short. This where the definition of determination is expanded.

Determination, it seems, is more than simply making a decision or having a clear purpose. It also encompasses being resolute about your decision by not letting anything stand in your way. It is embracing a firmness of purpose toward your intention and to following a fixed direction to reach the achievement of your goal.

With these definitions in mind, it is safe to say that by being Determined to achieve your desires, you are not accepting anything other than that which you have aimed for. You will not let any people, things, events, or circumstances stand in your way or deter you from your intended path.

Adopting Determination

Imagine what you could achieve if you chose to adopt determination as a way of life, and use it in your day to day decisions. Just like the cyclists above, we too have the power to use this kind of resolution toward our goals in our lives, no matter how big or small.

If you think that small goals don’t really count, maybe it’s best to think of using your determination with your small goals as a type of dress rehearsal. Flexing your determination muscles by accepting nothing but what you’ve set out to achieve no matter how small, can only strengthen your resolution for your grand intentions in your life.

Learning that you deserve nothing less than what you desire is an important lesson. Using determination is a vital tool in generating a life we would love to live and one in which we would feel proud to have created for ourselves.

Ways you can embrace Determination

• Dare yourself to achieve what you desire. Make a game out of it, so when you feel you’re slipping or losing sight of your goal, you can re-inforce the dare and plough ahead.
• Gather together all the information, pictures and inspiration you can about your desired outcome to help with your motivation.
• Ignore other people who do not support you in your goal. Release the need to seek approval from others about what you’re trying to achieve.
• Research information about others who have achieved your goal before you, or anyone who came close. Unleash your competitive streak, and be determined to match or better anyones previous efforts.

Remember, by choosing to follow through with what tasks you’ve set yourself, you are displaying determination. By choosing to ignore people who are telling you what you want to do won’t work, you are displaying determination. By taking the path less travelled and accepting that you are going to try something new, whatever the cost, you are displaying determination.

Go forth and be bold. Let your determination for the achievement of your desires, intentions, goals shine through!