DETERMINATION

 LINK:   Determination Video

Determination is a foundational word. As a word it evokes strong emotions, however it can be used lightly on conversations. At its very root, determination means to make a lasting, firm decision.

The very word itself conjures up deep emotional responses like resolve and commitment.

To be determined begets the driving forces of resolve and persistence. Determination works best when it is coupled with a vision of your future and a purpose for your life. And having a vision demands a mission statement that guides day to day activities.

Too often my determination gets watered down by the frustrations of life that diminish my focus. Too many admin tasks that don’t appear to have much, if any impact on my vision for the future.

If personal determination is to be taken seriously, it demands that I eliminate some trivial pursuits from my activities. Things like television, fiction reading, sports and Facebook videos can consume some of your precious time and energy.

A lack of determination and commitment lead to indecisiveness. And being indecisive kills your personal leadership capabilities.

However, we also know that determination may have a deeper cost to it. Determination means taking a stand for your principles. When you do that people will disagree with you. They will drift away from a relationship or a commitment to you.

Being determined can also have deep, deep personal costs to it.

For example when Texas was fighting its war of independence, 183 volunteers manned an abandoned mission in San Antonio to stop the advancing Mexican army.

 Here’s William Barret Travis’s famous letter from the Alamo.

To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world.

Fellow Citizens and Compatriots –

I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna – I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man – The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword, If the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot and our flag still waves proudly from the walls – I shall never surrender or retreat.

Then I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch – The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country.

Victory or Death

William Barret Travis

That level of determination cost Travis and 182 fellow volunteers their lives.

 

Being determined helps become a person of character and strength. We become aware of the cost and have the determination to carry on.

I recently read a story about the Coast Guard boat that was headed out into the ocean in very stormy seas to attempt a rescue mission. One of the young sailors looked at the captain, and said aren’t you afraid that we will never get back? And the Captain replied, Our job is to get out there, not to get back.

Being a person with a deep sense of determination allows you to avoid the emotional roller coaster that happens when there is no determination and decisiveness in your life. I would much personally stand on that steady ground than to slide off into the slimy pit called indecisiveness.

Based on these observations from history and personal character, I urge you to think deeply about your personal determination. It will pay dividends the rest of your life.