Become and stay determined to succeed

If you truly want to succeed in any endeavor, you must be hungry for that goal. How hungry are you for the things you want in your life?

Determination fuels your motivation and will keep you moving forward.

Everyone has challenges and obstacles in their life. It is part of the process of life that we must go through. And as much as we would prefer that things don't feel or get chaotic, the reality is that it will.

But challenges and obstacles are no excuse to give in or give up. Some people think their current circumstances give them just cause to let go of their dreams or to stop moving forward. Not! You don't have that luxury. If you are hungry for success, hungry for a certain way of life, hungry for whatever it is you desire, you don’t get to make excuses for not moving forward or not continuing on that path.

Sometimes when faced with insurmountable challenges, people give in and give up at the precise moment when things are about to change, when success or accomplishment is right there waiting for them to press past the obstacle. You have to be willing to press with all the determination and faith you have inside you.

During one of my workshops — Creating Your Life's Vision Plan: How to Get Your Vision Out of Your Head and Into Reality! — I asked the attendees the question: Do you think I always feel like this woman of greatness? Surprisingly, the attendees all said yes. Really? I said. They stayed firm: Yes.

I shared with them that it was not the case at all. In fact, there are many times I have had to push past my feelings, press past my own situations to continue to walk in my purpose--in my own personal greatness. I have to speak to my life with authority and power that I am greater than my circumstances. I am greater than my struggles.

Why? Because I know who I am and I'm determined to not only succeed but to be a change agent in the lives of others. I'm determined to demonstrate to others that no matter where you came from, no matter where you've been or where you are today, you can walk in your greatness.

So I ask you again: How hungry are you for the things you desire? What is your level of determination?

Stop thinking it is impossible.

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” — Tommy Lasorda

How can you stay determined?

* Know why you want what you want. Ask yourself: What is my motivation? Is this something I really want or desire or something I only think I want? Or is it something someone else wants for me?

* Practice gratitude daily. When you stop dwelling on what you don't have, stop focusing on all that seems wrong or unbearable in your life, and express gratitude for all the things you do have, (those many blessings in front of you), your focus stays clear, enabling you to continue moving forward.

* Live in expectation. Believe in yourself and in your endeavors. Expect to receive them.

* Become accountable for your vision or goals. If you don't have someone currently holding you accountable and responsible for your goals or action items, find someone you respect and trust who will not let your determination falter; someone who will ensure you do just what you said you want to do.

What are some other ways you can become or stay determined? Whatever is going to get you out of the valleys of your life and on to the mountain top of limitless possibilities, define it and use it to keep you going.

Think about something that you've wanted to do but can't seem to move forward on it. Think about what keeps coming up. Are you afraid? Are you procrastinating? Maybe you just need to check your motivations.

If you do not have some connection (emotional or otherwise) to the goals you have, your determination won't be able to fuel it for you.

Renew or ignite your level of determination and get going. Remember: Determination will take you where your current circumstances will not.

Until next time, think about this quote by Calvin Coolidge, who was the 30th president of the US:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

With definiteness of purpose,
Gwen Thibeaux