Archive | Determination RSS feed for this section

Wearing Armor

5 Jan

Life is ever changing and can be complicated. We have good times and bad, we go through countless challenges and we learn continually. Sometimes we struggle with problems that confound us and as we navigate our days there may be times when something especially difficult comes. When the hardest times come upon us and we feel overwhelmed, even though we may momentarily believe we can’t survive them, we will get through them in time. Centuries ago soldiers preparing for battle made sheets of armor to wear to protect them from swords and arrows. The armor allowed them to face the enemy confidently and preserved them as they fought. Although we don’t wear armor, we can strengthen our resolve and determination to overcome whatever we’re facing and have an unshakable will to succeed. We can envision armor around us when we face threatening situations and have the calm resolve that no matter what comes, nothing will prevent us from progressing forward. We are strong and there isn’t anything too difficult for us to manage. When we’re facing extreme odds and the fire ahead is intense, we can press forward with confidence as though we were wearing armor and we can succeed.

We are not born with unlimited strength. Strength comes to us when we must press against trial. Each challenge we overcome makes us stronger and every problem gives us additional tools to use going forward. The old saying of “No pain no gain,” is effective when we think about the challenges we face. If everything came easily to us and nothing ever went wrong, we would have no need for strength or even understanding of complex matters. The struggle through trials enhances our power going forward. We may face very difficult situations that are confusing and difficult. But no matter what comes, with patience and the armor of determination, we will navigate them successfully and overcome.

Deciding we are capable is often the first step to success. If we believe we can win, often we will. Doubt has a way of weakening resolve and if we are unsure, we may struggle to find the answers we need to move forward. Confidence is a very valuable tool in our arsenal of success. It enables us to unravel even complicated and extraordinarily hard problems simply because we believe we can. We are always able to solve whatever comes to us. We have everything we need to find our way, overcome any obstacle, and solve any problem. We are wise and capable. We have the armor of confidence and determination on our side and we can face any challenge with the certainty that we will triumph.

Today if you feel overwhelmed with a difficult problem you are facing, if you feel concerned you can’t manage it, remember there isn’t anything you can’t do. Surround yourself with armor. Be determined and believe in your success. You are stronger than you realize and there is nothing too difficult for you. You have everything you need already. Go forward with confidence. You will succeed.

Unwavering

4 Jan

When there is something we really want to do, a dream we really want to make a reality, or an accomplishment we really want to achieve, we may work hard to move it forward. We may spend time planning and thinking about what we need to do to get to our goal. After we begin forward, some things will go as planned but other things will turn and we may face a roadblock. Sometimes we may have to change course to keep going, or may even need to take a step back and regroup. Big accomplishments and dreams that are difficult to achieve take time and effort. Some of our plans may go wrong as we move forward and our success will often depend on our determination to continue. We must not only have faith that we can achieve our goal when things go awry, our faith must be unwavering. We must be resolute and unshakable. If we keep our eyes focused on the goal no matter what happens, and continue forward against all obstacles we will reach our destination. It takes determination to continue forward on any path when things go wrong. It takes courage to keep moving against the wind and boldness to defy roadblocks and detours. We have all the strength we need to accomplish anything we desire. We are capable of adapting when needed and forging ahead with confidence. Big dreams may take time but we can accomplish them. We can have the lives we most want and we can endure any challenges we face. There isn’t anything we can’t do when we are determined.

Everything in life changes every day. The view we saw before may be different now. Change is a constant part of life. People may come who alter our direction. Unexpected developments may occur that stop our movement forward and unplanned events may happen that make us question our strategy. But we are capable of modifying any plans we’ve made and still reach our goal. We can adjust to changes in the situation and find another way through. Even if things become complicated and we are pulled in a different direction we can understand how to get back on the path we need and find our way forward.

Living our lives fully and doing all the things we dream of will bring us great satisfaction and happiness. We don’t have to go along with plans others have for us or always do what others expect. We have everything we need to design the perfect life we want and achieve it. Our lives belong to us and nobody else. We can imagine our most desired dreams, determine how we want to go forward, and then make plans to make them come true. We can accomplish anything we want to do. Anything. We have all the courage, determination, wisdom and strength to accomplish whatever we desire.

Today if you’ve been dreaming of something you really want in your life, create a plan forward to make it a reality. You deserve every happiness and all your dreams can come true. You are strong and capable and you know where you want to go. Set your feet on the path that will take you there and move ahead. There isn’t anything you can’t do.

Disappointment and Perseverance

2 Jan

“I long so much to make beautiful things. But beautiful things require effort—and disappointment and perseverance.” Vincent van Gogh

We have a lot of challenges in our lives and many things we want to accomplish. We can strive for any goal we want to attain but often the road to success isn’t smooth. There may be points where we stumble or get lost, there may be obstacles in our path, and it can be disappointing when we feel like we’re working hard but not getting any closer. Sometimes it may seem that no matter how much we plan or how carefully we proceed we run into something that blocks our way forward. As time passes we may get frustrated feeling we should have conquered the challenge by now and yet we are still trying. It takes continual effort to reach any destination and if we want to succeed we must persevere when things go wrong. We have to figure out the problems that block our path, and find a way to navigate around the obstacles in our way. We may get tired and even think of letting go of the goal but if we want to achieve anything we must be willing to do what it takes to get there. Everything we desire requires effort and often things don’t go as easily as we hope they will. But there isn’t anything we can’t overcome and we are capable of finding success. There may be disappointment but we can manage that and persevere through it to the other side. We can decide to continue forward even when the road gets rough.

We are complex and capable of accomplishing many difficult things in our lives if we determine to stay the course until we complete the journey. If we are overcome with disappointment, we may feel overwhelmed and unsure we can go on. At times like those, we may set the goal aside for a while and return to it later when our lives are in a different place. There isn’t any goal we can’t achieve but sometimes timing is everything. If something isn’t working now, we can proceed with other things for a while and try again later. As our lives change and our situations adjust we may be in a better position to begin again.

When we’ve been working toward a goal for a long time and are struggling, we may believe we will never win. We may think it’s just not in the cards for us and let it go. We can always re-direct our course but instead of giving up sometimes all we need to do is change direction. We may only need to adjust our path a little to find success. Life is rarely an “all or nothing” situation. Generally, there are lots of variations and if what we’ve been doing isn’t working, we can modify and change our focus a little to find success. There really isn’t anything we can’t do.

Today if you’ve been working hard toward a goal you want to achieve and still haven’t moved forward, step back and rethink the situation. Think about how you might adjust your path forward to find success. You will reach your goal and find your way. You have everything you need to be successful and there is no disappointment you can’t overcome.

Where We Are

29 Dec

Life is a long journey and our lives are always changing. There are countless roads and endless destinations. When we’re clear on where we want to go we can find our way and go forward confidently. But sometimes when we’re moving forward in one direction something changes and we see the road differently. Sometimes where we are or where we’re headed doesn’t feel right and we want to change directions. It may be a gradual adjustment or we may suddenly decide one day that we’re going the wrong way and turn everything around. Where we are right now does not determine where we may go from here. We can change directions at any time and find exactly what we’re seeking. Life is flexible and ever changing. If what was comfortable yesterday doesn’t fit today, we can re-evaluate our way forward and turn another way. Our lives are ours to design and we can make them any way we want them. If we want to go somewhere new, or be something different, we can. Where we are now is just where we are now. Where we go from here is up to us.

Although our lives belong to us there may be times when we find ourselves in situations we didn’t plan because of the influence or involvement of others or circumstances we couldn’t control. We may be in careers we didn’t choose because they were the only jobs we could find at the beginning and although we never intended to remain, time has passed and we are still there. We may be in difficult relationships with others that continue because our days have been intertwined with them and we’ve simply gone along. Or we may be living a life that we don’t really like because we haven’t done anything to change it. Living well is a gift we all deserve but it requires action. Our lives belong to us and we may design them any way we like. We don’t have to simply go along as the days pass and accept whatever comes. We can actively make choices to get what we really want and find satisfaction and joy.

Every idea of perfection is different. What one person thinks is the perfect life, another doesn’t. We are all unique and can make our own choices. If we want lives filled with action and adventure, we can set a course that will bring it to us. If we prefer a simpler model in a small setting with those we know, we can design our lives that way. We can do anything but first we must determine exactly what we want. When we know that, we can proceed to make it happen and find real happiness and fulfillment living the way that fits us best. If we aren’t where we most want to be and if our lives are not the lives we desire, we can change them. We have the power to change anything. Every single day is a gift. We can live well and happily by choosing to honor each day as it comes and live it fully the way that fits us best.

Today if you feel your life isn’t where you want it to be begin making decisions that will change it. You can do anything you want to do. Be brave. There isn’t anything you can’t manage and you can have the life of your dreams. Move forward on the road you want most and you will find happiness. Your life belongs to you. Make it yours today.

Foreign Territory

22 Dec

Throughout our lives, we go through many changes and adjustments. There are times we face big changes – marriage, the birth of a child, a new career, retirement and others. When our lives are changing dramatically it takes some planning and preparation to help us navigate the next step. If we are excited about what’s coming and happy with the new plan, the adjustments may come more easily. It can be an exciting time filled with fun and adventure. But sometimes big changes in our lives may be threatening. Life is constantly in flux and although we become accustomed to the routine adjustments we make along the way, big turns can make us feel unsure. We can take the time we need to evaluate any new situation, make a plan for moving forward, and take it step by step. We can process any change that comes and if we make a plan for one day at a time we’ll be ready and move forward with confidence.

There is great security in routine. We get used to doing the same things, going to the same places, and seeing the same people. We feel comfortable when our surroundings are familiar. When we’re facing a development that requires great change, even if we’re confident we’ll be fine, actually going through the process of modifying our lives may be unsettling. New situations are foreign to us and even though we know we’ll find our way, it can be disquieting to navigate. There are new patterns we must learn, maybe new people to interact with, and the scenery may be different. When we’re in foreign territory it can be confusing. But foreign territory is only unsettling because it’s new. We can make it ours by embracing it and learning about it. We are strong enough and brave enough to face new situations whatever they require. Change is constant. Big changes may be more complex but we are capable of navigating them and embracing them.

Planning can make any change easier. If the changes we’re facing aren’t sudden and we know about them before they occur, we can take time to evaluate everything we need to prepare and make a plan for going forward. Making a plan will give us more confidence and help us manage whatever details we face as things progress. There will probably be unexpected complications, but we can manage those as they come and do what is needed to address them and get back on track. Change is inevitable. We can manage it well and find success by taking our time, evaluating each needed step forward, and planning our course. There isn’t anything we can’t manage or overcome. We can walk through new doors and face new circumstances with confidence and clarity, and find joy in our new situations.

Today if you’re facing a big change in your life and you’re feeling a little unsure, take time to evaluate all the parameters forward and make a plan. You have everything you need to be successful. Embrace whatever comes and make it yours. This life is an adventure and you are brave enough and smart enough to take it on.