Friday Review: Determination

Friday Review: Determination

What is the basis for your determination in life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

The plateaus of life are simply part of our journey. Learn to love them and keep moving forward.

 

 

 

 

“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

 

 

 

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

 

 

 

The true measure of your potential is not the peak you reached but how far you climbed to get there

The true measure of your potential is not the peak you reached but how far you climbed to get there.

Adam Grant, Author of Hidden Potential

Image from Unsplash by Brook Anderson

As the world watched the Paris Olympic games with anticipation and awe, I did my best to look beyond the world records and those who stand on the podium.

I find the back stories of the various athletes and teams particularly engaging.

When we learn about the grit, tenacity, and determination it takes to be among the 10,500 participants, we all get to have our own Olympic spark burst into flames.

EXERCISE:

Where do you stand on the ladders of life?

How much potential lies within you to climb even higher to live a gold medal life?

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile

“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.”

Robert Staubach, former Dallas Cowboy Quarterback

Image from Unsplash by Kathy

My signature coaching program — Personal Excellence Training — includes six months of weekly one-on-one coaching to support my client’s personal and professional objectives.

Today’s quote encourages each of us to lace up our sneakers and go the extra mile.

It’s not just about reaching the finish line, it’s about how the journey shapes us along the way.

We know we are on to something special when we push beyond our comfort zones, embrace challenges and give our all when so many others settle for less.

EXERCISE:

Where and when do you strap on your determination and ignite your passions?

When traveling these less crowded roads, don’t be surprised if you meet other champions along the way!

You are just as likely to solve a problem by being unconventional and determined as by being brilliant.

“You are just as likely to solve a problem by being unconventional and determined as by being brilliant.”

Sir James Dyson, British inventor, industrial designer, and business magnate

Image from Wikipedia

The Dyson company was officially formed in 1987, inspired by an experience James had with a Walmart vacuum cleaner, which blocked suction and failed to perform.

Using his skills as an engineer, he took it apart, fixed the issue and took it back to the store, vowing to develop a better product for them.

It took five years and 5,127 prototypes to perfect his idea.

EXERCISE:

In what ways could you utilize more unconventional methods and greater determined effort to resolve obstacles blocking your way?

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled The United Kingdom for 70+ years

Image from Unsplash by Caroline Hernandez

Leaping tall buildings in a single bound is the stuff of superman comics.

Although we all want to make a dent in the universe, we so often see only our human limits and often avoid the little steps forward because they appear too small.

We’ve heard time and time again that all great journeys begin with that first step, yet we often forget that it is the second and third that create the momentum to stay the course.

It is also when we step together within our communities that mountains are moved as we shape and reshape our world.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional life are you reluctant to step forward?

How can and will you partner with others to produce the lasting changes you desire?

“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

—Anonymous

Image from Unsplash by Do Nhu

Prior to starting my coaching career over 30 years ago, I had a difficult time at my previous company. The organization was having financial challenges and realigning its workforce.

My marketing role at the home office was no longer secure, and I was left with the difficult decision to accept a demoted field assignment, requiring me to uproot my family in order to keep my employment.

With considerable soul searching and wound-licking, I was determined to put my head down and “Show Them” I still had it when many of my colleagues saw me as someone who didn’t make the grade.

With this resolve and grit, I silently went about my new job and became an acknowledged great performer, regaining my coworkers respect, and receiving an award voted on by my division.

Two months later I accepted a voluntary buyout, and the rest is history.

EXERCISE:

What are examples in your life in which you let your hard work and good results do the talking?

Where in your worlds would this approach be the way to proceed on an important issue today?

The plateaus of life are simply part of our journey

The plateaus of life are simply part of our journey. Learn to love them and keep moving forward.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Rob Wingate

I recently watched the Netflix series on the Tour De France. I haven’t ridden a bike in years, and was surprised how this event captured my spirit of adventure and ongoing desire for excellence.

The twenty-one days over which this event is held is one of the greatest tests of grit and endurance I’ve ever seen.

The 170+ riders face grueling mountain climbs, bumpy cobblestone roads, and downhill runs where speeds of over 80 miles per hour have been clocked. Of course, there are plenty of flat parts where the peloton pushes forward at a pace that has the riders wiz by, cheering fans in a blur.

EXERCISE:

What races are your running these days?

How hard do you push yourself on difficult uphill climbs? How fast do you go when the grade of life is downhill?

What is your approach to the plateaus of your journey on your way to your own yellow jersey?

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

—Marilyn vos Savant, American author

Image from Unsplash by Jaime Spaniol

How many personal or professional battles are you fighting? Where are you winning? Where are you losing? Consider also looking into your past to examine examples from earlier times.

Where have and are you persisting in your efforts with grit, tenacity, and determination?

Where have and are you giving up and throwing in the towel?

The saying goes that lessons in life are only fully learned after you take the test.

EXERCISE:

How would the perspective of “This is Only a Test” inspire you to rise above and stay the course, to realize even greater current and future victories?

FRIDAY REVIEW: DETERMINATION

FRIDAY REVIEW: DETERMINATION

What is the basis for your determination in life? Here are a few determination-related posts you may have missed.

 

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

 

 

 

 

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

 

 

 

 

“A lot can happen in a year.”

 

 

 

 

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

—Aristotle

Image of a snowflake on a pine needle

Image from Unsplash by Aaron Burden

For some reason, during winter I like to watch shows about Alaska. Three of my favorites are:
Life Below Zero
Alaska the Last Frontier
The Last Alaskans

What I enjoy the most is just how much each individual experiences joy and pleasure living such a demanding, chilly lifestyle. Beyond the natural beauty and splendor of this vast part of the country is perhaps the fact that they all cherish the ability to lead very self-determined lives.

EXERCISE:

What current and future struggles and life difficulties are you willing to face to pursue your own unique and beautiful life journey?