Determination – Finding your Strength

Over the years I have read and heard many stories of individuals who have come through some extremely challenging times in their lives.  One common thread to all these stories was a determination to continue on. 
Determination is defined as “the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.” (Dictionary.com) or “that which is resolved on, direction to a certain end, fixed purpose, decision of character” (Chambers Everyday Dictionary).  The key here is focusing on a purpose.
So often when the rug is pulled out from under us in life, then the purpose in our life changes too.  Where we focus on our purpose depends on our needs, which may have drastically changed.  Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist and in 1943 he published a research paper on the hierarchy of needs.   Essentially it states that our purpose and focus in life depend on the needs that we have.  If we find ourselves on the streets with nothing our main focus would be on the basis of finding food, water and shelter.  Building self-esteem is all fine and dandy, but it is not important as finding warmth and food.  
Inner strength can be found through our determination to get to that next place or stage in our life.  It is what helps us to grow as an individual.   How far have you come in your life?  What helped you survive despite the odds?  That is the strength that you can call on when you set your sites on the next purpose for your life.  You have already proven that you have this because you are here.  
The difference between determination and just wanting something can be illustrated in how we speak and think about things.  A person who is determined will think or say “I will…..   or   … will happen. ” whereas someone who may want something without the sense of determination may say “I am going to try.. It would be nice if…”  The language we say to ourselves is powerful.  If you are on a healing journey now, notice what language you are saying to yourself.  Is it the language of purpose and determination?
How does one cultivate determination in their lives? 

1. What do I really want in life?
   1. It involves digging deep to figure out what you really want in your life.  All too often we know what we don’t want and never really take the time to consider what it is we want instead.
2. Your WHY
   1. Glean the reason WHY what you want is important to you.  This would have elements that affect you personally as well as others that you know or will know in the future. 

Once you have these then take the time to envision it in your mind, what it would be like to have this.  How life would be different.   Now I know many of you are sceptical and that this fantasy can’t be helpful when your life is in shambles.  I can tell you that this is where determination germinates and grows.  Some of us naturally have that seed within us that grows despite every adversity.  Others need to purposely plant this and help it grow with the focus we have on the vision of what we want and why it is part of our purpose. 
What is your new vision?
If you need help in cultivating your determination, contact me to find out how.
 
Maslow graphic: https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4582571

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