Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. Maya Angelou
At the beginning of each year, just like every Sunday evening, we make the biggest, boldest decisions of our lives. “This year, I’ll make it happen” or “starting Monday, no more procrastination and I’m also going on a healthy diet”. Any of the two ring a bell? What is a decision without perseverance? Did you decide to take the matter into your own hands? Amazing! Let’s see what could support you in keeping your promise.
1. Define success
What is it that you have your mind on and how will you know you achieved it? What does succeeding in this matter suppose? For example, if you want to be kinder to the people around you, what would make you say “I did it, I became kinder”? Focus on both the tangible results that you’re aiming fort and also the feeling that you’ll have. For example, you’ll see yourself as being kinder towards people when you are more helpful when you listen more to what they have to say than what you want. On the emotional level, you’ll feel connected with the people around you, appreciative, capable of sharing your kindness in an authentic way.
Your determination is direct proportional to the level of success and your belief about being able to attain it or not.
2. Set clear, measurable personal goals
Clear objectives help you break your big goal and smaller, measurable steps. Getting from one step to the next is cause for celebration and your determination will spike once you see that you’re getting closer to where you want to be.
Setting objectives also help you track and learn from failed attempts when you compare what you wanted to happen and what actually happened. Make sure to relate your goals to the previous point and see how they will support you in achieving success.
3. Define a realistic action plan
What needs to happen for you to attain your goals? Keep your determination up by making a plan of actions. Where do you need to start and what else can support you on your journey? Try to be realistic about what you want to achieve and by when. Keep doing the same thing until you get proficient at it and then take the next step.
4. Let go of negative thoughts
Many of us are governed by negative thoughts and emotions. When worries start creeping into your plans, what do you think happens with your determination? Take a wild guess… yes, it decreases. You feel down, lack self-confidence and think your efforts will never pay off.
Practise meditation on a daily basis to see profound results in the quality of your thoughts. Say goodbye to self-sabotage and self-doubt and let your perseverance flourish.
Your meditation practice in itself can be a good example of determination. Meditation pays off in the short term, too, but the real shift happens in the long run. A sharp mind and a focused determination are refined throughout your meditation practice.
Image credit: Peace Revolution
5. Remind yourself where your determination will take you
It is easy to fall of track, postpone getting results and actually taking a leap from leading the kind of life you want. It is easy because you don’t have to change anything. If you keep doing what you’ve been doing until now, you’ll get the same results.
If, on the other hand, you’re committed to building a strong will and manifesting your dreams, get comfortable in your seat. It’s going to be the ride of a life-time. Determination by itself is a value that might not be very glamourous, unless you link it to what you’ll get once you start investing in it. Set your clear image of what you’re investing in and why you need determination, Let that image drive your willingness to commit and keep being determined to go there where you want to be.
What life stories do you have about determination? How does it feel when you’re 100% focused and determined to be the best version of yourself?