"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination." - Tommy Lasorda

Determination means firmness of mind or purpose. You demonstrate your strength in character through your actions and by doing whatever it takes to get what you aspire to become and have.

If you have written down your goals, plan your activities, believe in yourself and take actions, you will get expected results. However, challenges almost always show up in the process. Frustration and a drop in motivation will usually follow.

The difference in whether you will continue to go all out and do your best or give up is in your resolution. If you have made a firm decision when you set your intention, you will follow through regardless of the number of barriers that you have to overcome. That's the power of self determination.

How to maintain a stern resolve.

• Badly want what you wish for.

Determine your heart's desire and continuously hold it in your mind. You know that you want it badly if you keep thinking and talking about it on a ongoing basis. A made up mind pushes you to go against your self-imposed limitations and gives you the power to put in the efforts.

• Make a promise to yourself and keep it.

Make a pledge to yourself that you will go beyond what you have so far achieved. It takes a lot of guts to keep to your own words but once you do that, you can look up at and feel proud of yourself. You develop more grit by being steadfast and giving yourself wholeheartedly to work on your personal growth and transform your life.

• Focus and control.

You need to have a razor sharp focus and concentrate on your goals. You must have control over your reactions to situations, events, people and your emotions. A determined mind allows you to focus your energies on your objectives and avoid bad things around you to negatively affect your thinking.

• Reflect and hold it in your mind.

Reflect on the feelings and experiences that come along when you achieve what you have set out to become. Associate the joy and satisfaction that accompany your success. Think of how you goal would look like. Think as well about how your life would become if you give up too soon. Imagine the pains and pleasures and let them propel you to maintain your resolve.

• Maintain your faith.

Develop and maintain your faith. Having faith and an unwavering certainty will help you decide on the choices to make and the actions to take. With sheer determination you will chart your own course and move ahead even if other people think it is impossible. By taking actions you overcome one of your greatest enemy which is fear.

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