How to be determined?

DREAM is not what you see in sleep, DREAM is something which doesn't let you sleep. – Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam.

That is determination.

Before we talk about how to be determined, we should be clear on the goal for which we need to be determined. What is your goal? Becoming a Doctor or getting higher score in 12th? Becoming a Doctor is a goal to be achieved; getting higher scores, clearing entrance exams, getting Doctor seat in a reputed college, doing good in medical exams are part of that goal. Be determined to achieve the primary goal.

When should we be determined?

It is easy to define or express what our goals are, but to do what we speak are really difficult. Because we may make mistakes, we may delay in learning, we may delay in processing, we may fail too. But do we need to stop there? So, it is important to be determined at the time of difficulties. When something happens against your plan, or may be nothing happen as per your plan. You may need to reschedule everything, still continue to be determined. Being determined is an attitude, hold onto it even when everything changes.

How to be determined?

Somethings are easy to advise, somethings are easy to listen but many are very difficult to follow. Motivational speeches are one among them. But when you are decided to be determined, you are ready to overcome the difficulties as well.

1.    1. Set Goals

We discussed this already on the purpose of determination. Since it is the first step in building determination, I repeat it. Set your goal smartly. Many of us know What is a SMART goal.. the goal should be

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic and

Time bound

The sub goals to attain the primary goal should also be SMART but have more alternatives to it. We may choose different roads for the same destination.

2.    2. Self-discipline

Many of our goals are not forced by others. We set goals depending upon our inspirations, passions and interests. So, for the goals we set, others are just supporters not pushers. Be responsible to attain you goal by your consistency. Respect yourself. You can build respect on your own, when you are self-disciplined. Obviously , we all have some tasks and schedules to complete it. When you keep up your words and complete things on time, your self esteem will automatically increase and give the determination tonic called ”I can”.

3.   3.  Accept the failure

As I mentioned, determination is much required, when there are some disturbances in your actual plans. Remember that each one of us is a unique creature as well as special creature in the world, but we are commonly known as humans. Can anyone tell, what is the famous quote on human?To err is human.

So, very first thing in being determined is to accept the failures. It is okay to make mistakes. Be the first one to console yourself. Don’t expect someone to comfort you, it means you are also letting someone to criticize you. Let the comfort or criticism from others be inputs to your correction. But by mind, you should take control over your emotions. Don’t break down. Determination is what you build within yourself.

4.    4. Perseverance

Accepting the failure doesn’t mean stopping your efforts. Find new way to achieve your goal. Remember the flowing river, when there is an obstacle, it finds its alternate ways to continue its journey. Keep consistent in what you do.

5.   5.  Find strategies

Hard work is not just enough to achieve everything, smart work is a must. Because our goals are Time bound too. Make use of technological advancements, advanced tools to make your job easier. Practice your brain to act faster, relate things faster etc. Again I want quote what Abraham Lincoln said about smart work..

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

6.     6. Never give up

Following all the above will surely make you a determined person. You will achieve what you want. Sometimes, there could be n exception, there are external factors to affect your goal.. For example, NEAT was a surprise element for the 2016 batch students. So, when such external factors affect your primary goal, never give up.. you are trained yourself to be determined, not just for a goal but for your life. Stay strong. living well with moral values is also our primary goal. That is the best contribution to the society.

You are stronger than you think