We are living in such an interesting time, where everyone is in the midst of some form of reinvention, in a world in which it seems all of the rules have changed.  In pursuit of new ways of making a living, managing our finances, running our businesses and operating in a more socially responsible way, it is easy to feel defeated. It can seem that each time you come up with a solution, there’s a new obstacle in your way. Like a fighter in the ring, how many times can a person get knocked down?  Yet, we know we have to have to get back up, so let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how to fortify our powers of determination.

         From a distance, you recognize determined people by their achievements. But if you are lucky enough to be close to a determined person, you know that each achievement is made up of a million different tiny steps. Determined people have an ability to face one moment at a time—to do battle with an individual obstacle as it comes up, without losing sign of the bigger goal. Problem solvers by nature, they are people who can’t resist tackling each challenge they encounter.

         Determined people are driven by a vision, so with each challenge they face, there is something guiding their efforts. They also appreciate the power of options, recognizing that there are many different paths to their final destination. If you want to boost your drive and determination factor, here are some suggestions:

·   Surround yourself with determined, successful people. One of the best ways to learn about determination is through osmosis, and spending time with “determination” role models will demystify the process. You may think success comes easy to those who achieve great things; you assume they have extraordinary talents and skills accounting for their success. But up close, you will witness them wrestling with challenges, getting frustrated, periodically becoming disheartened, but never being discouraged from their ultimate goal. They always get up off the mat with a new idea, looking for another path to their desire.

·   Seek inspiration in the arts. Go to museums and study the work of great artists. Read up on their backgrounds and listen to the audio tour. Artists are some of the most extraordinary role models of determination, driven by vision that seems impossible to squelch. Did you know that Auguste Rodin (the famous French sculptor) had several works that were commissioned, then rejected? In fact, his piece The Gates of Hell was commissioned by the French government only to be canceled before it was complete. But Rodin was so personally invested in solving this artistic challenge that he kept working on it. For twenty-four more years. Many of his most recognized sculptures—including The Thinker and The Kiss—were all part of the The Gates of Hell. Read biographies of people who interest you. Listen to music, go see plays, read novels that will inspire you. Travel. Observe the many ways others approach the world so that you can picture possibilities beyond your immediate point of reference.

·   Picture success. Really vividly. Imagine a point ten years from now where you are exactly where you wish to be. What are you wearing, where are you living, who are you having dinner with, what’s filling your days? Visualize getting exactly what you want, and act as if you’re already there. Whatever that is, write it down. Being afraid to say what you want or choosing to downplay your goals—as if you don’t really care if you achieve them or not—can derail you from success.

·   Practice makes perfect. Pick an activity known to demand determination (like golf, knitting, or crossword puzzles) and go at it. Practicing your ability to conquer with something small will give you greater perseverance when you’re dealing with bigger challenges in life. The good news is, this exercise can actually add some fun to your life. A few years ago, while going through a major business transition, I decided to take gymnastics as a way of building my powers of determination. I attended sessions about once a week for 18 months and can now do a one-armed cartwheel, backflips on the trampoline, and front handsprings on the mat.  For video evidence of me in action—click here.  What I discovered is that gymnastics is as much, in fact more, a mental exercise as it is a physical one.  It requires constantly working against my preconceptions about what is possible.  Gymnastics requires that you shift your center of gravity.  This takes intense concentration and yes, courage.  And I am always amazed when I am able to do it. The carryover effects of my gymnastics lessons into my professional and personal life have been tremendous.  When faced with a difficult task or significant challenge in either arena that I think at first will be impossible.  I now stop and think, well, why not?  If I can do a one-armed cartwheel, why can’t I do this? 

         Determined people work hard, putting in the time and remaining tolerant of the ambiguity that is part of the progress of moving toward any goal. Almost no challenging task ever goes exactly as planned, nor is there such a thing as “instant results.” There are moments when you get stuck, hit plateaus, run into walls, feel stumped. Determined people wait it out. They don’t bolt when the going gets tough because they trust that clarity will come eventually. Working makes them feel alive, gratified, stimulated—indeed, life is a project to be worked through and enjoyed.

How do you fortify your determination, when feeling a little defeated? What fun activities could  you spend time on that would strengthen your resolve to drive towards your goals?