DETERMINATION: FOLLOW THE COURSE NO MATTER WHAT!!!

“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go if you want to”." I wholeheartedly agree with these insightful words from Langston Hughes. Among all his numerous hats, he was a talented poet. There is nothing unattainable if you are healthy, which is why my new year wishes are always health and health. Good health is essential because when you are in good mental and physical condition, you can accomplish just about anything. Unfortunately, we live in a pessimistic world that can sometimes make us doubt ourselves, even over trivial matters. But I want you to remember that with determination, you can move mountains.

Determination will enable you to lead a fulfilling personal and professional life, helping you reach your goals. So, what is determination?

Determination is a strong will and mental capacity to persist, no matter what. It is a steady force that pushes us forward through challenges. This mindset encourages hard work regardless of the obstacles we face. You might be wondering why I'm emphasizing determination and its importance. Among the many qualities that have propelled me to where I am today, determination stands out as the most significant.

You must develop determination for several reasons:

⦁ With determination, you become unshakable and focused. No matter what happens, you can remain steady and continue pursuing your dreams and goals. You possess the mental capacity to see the good in any situation, even the most stressful and extreme. Recently, when I was asked, "Arlette, what’s your superpower?" I confidently replied that it’s my ability to find something positive, even in challenging situations. This positive mindset allows you to turn difficulties into valuable learning experiences.

⦁ Determination enables you to achieve your goals because nothing can hold you back. The resilience you cultivate allows you to accomplish great things. You can transform unfavorable experiences into positive outcomes. Life is full of challenges, but determination helps us recover from setbacks.

⦁ Determination fosters self-discipline, which is essential for success. When you have a clear vision of your ambitions, you are prepared to work diligently to achieve them.

⦁ Determination fuels motivation, providing the energy and enthusiasm needed to pursue your dreams and passions. It keeps you inspired and driven.

⦁ Ultimately, determination helps you maintain a sense of purpose and leads to a fulfilling life.

Now that you understand how crucial determination is, you may want to know how to cultivate it.

⦁ Work on your mindset. You can achieve anything you desire, but you must be determined. Train your mind to adopt this mindset; it truly is effective. Apart from extreme situations like death, there’s always a solution to any problem you encounter or a way forward. Things may not improve immediately, but with time, they will. Embracing this perspective can elevate you to extraordinary heights.

⦁ Get inspired by successful people. Follow their journeys and read their stories. You’ll discover that their paths are rarely linear; they are often filled with ups and downs. This underscores the reality that life is not a straight line. The common thread among successful individuals is their relentless determination to keep pushing forward despite adversity.

⦁ Surround yourself with supportive people. Seek out those who encourage and motivate you, and lean on them when you need a boost. Conversely, try to avoid negative influences.

⦁ Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay focused on your goals and remember the “why” behind them. Visualize what it would be like to achieve them.

Determination is a powerful force that can transform every aspect of your life, including your career. If you want a career that brings emotional and financial satisfaction, begin by embracing determination and then blend it with hard work, as one without the other won’t take you very far. I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on your goals and consider how you are building the resilience and determination necessary to achieve them.