"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by
the things you didn't do than the ones you did. So throw
off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch
the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~Mark Twain~
In this post, I would like to share something that I consider to be essential in accomplishing your most important goals in life. In fact, whenever I begin working with someone in a new coaching relationship, it's something we talk about upfront.
Let's begin with some important questions. How determined are you to succeed? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach your goals in life? Is there something you must do, and you are willing to keep at it until it's done? Or, like so many others, will you simply quit as soon as the going gets tough?
Hard questions, I know (at least if you are being honest). But, your answers say a lot about you, and how far you'll go in life. See, no matter what you want to achieve, your success lies in your ability to persevere. You have to be determined.
So what exactly does it mean to be detemined anyway? Well, according to Dictionary.com, determination is: (a) a firmness of purpose; resolve (b) a fixed intention or resolution. The common denominator being resolved to the achievement of your goal.
And what goal is that? Well, that's for you to decide. You must determine what you need to achieve in life to feel satisfied when it's all said and done. What drives you? What will you look back on and say, "I woulda, shoulda, coulda" if you don't do it?
Maybe you're thinking, "Yeah, that's fine for him to say, he's probably had every advantage in his life. Things just come easy for him." Far from it. It seems that most everything in my life worthwhile has come as a result of determination. And that's the case with most succesful men and women.
Real, lasting success just doesn't happen overnight. Rather, it's the result of day in, and day out effort. Plus, the determination to see it to the end. That means doing it even when it's no longer fun and you don't "feel" like doing it anymore.
For instance, whenever I decided to write my first book, I vastly underestimated what it would require. The first three weeks netted me a grand total of six pages. That's it! But, you know what? Even though I only had six pages, it was six more than I'd have had by just sitting back and thinking about doing it.
Later, when I had over 100 pages, my computer got a virus and my hard drive crashed. I had not backed up my files on disk the way you are supposed to, so I lost all that I had done. I was devastated. But, looking back, I have to say that what came out the second time was much stronger than the first.
After many months, my book was in the hands of an editor. When I got back the edited version and read it, I hated it. It lacked focus. So, I went back to the drawing board. Finally, almost a year later than I had planned, my book was released. Another mission accomplished!
Of course, my story isn't any different than anyone who has accomplished great things in their life. The good news for all of us is that while we're still above ground, it's never too late to begin working on our dreams.
That was certainly the case of Ray Kroc of McDonalds fame. He was in his mid fifties selling milkshake machines until the time he struck a deal with the McDonald brothers.
Or look at Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was sixty-five years old and retired before he began trying to franchise his chicken recipe. It has been said that he endured more than 1,000 no's before he found someone who said yes.
Finally, on a more personal note, allow me to share with you another wonderful example of someone who has shown great determination and proved that it is never too late to work on your dreams. My mother, Dawn Platt.
She was fifty before she ever stepped foot into college. But, she completed her schooling with great distinction and is now a registered nurse. Something she never would have achieved if she did not show great determination.
So, as I wrap up, let me ask you again. And think about it before you answer. Are you determined to succeed? Are you really, really determined to succeed?
Because if you are, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that you can't accomplish!
Well, that's it for now. Until next time...
Keep reaching,
Jay
P.S. I would love to hear from you! If you have a comment on this post, please leave it in the comments section, so I can respond to you and others can read it as well. Thanks!
Great stuff Jay! You definately hit the nail on the head with this article. You have to have the determination AND the perseverance to accomplish anything! Why is it so hard for people to understand that? I especially liked your comment about your mother becoming an RN. Guess what? So did my sister and she is also in her 50s! Late bloomer? YES! And she loves her job. Thanks for the email and keep the motivation coming! Semper Fi, Rick
PS Writing another book?
Posted by: Rick | 28 July 2009 at 09:03 AM
Awesome, Rick! Thanks!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 09 March 2012 at 06:16 AM
Jay, I received this email today. I recently found myself out of a job due to an injury which required multiple surgeries. I had a degree but could not see myself using it and began comtemplating going back to school in a different field. I went last week and signed up to go back to school. This week I had been having doubts as to whether or not it was a was the right time or whether or not i could afford it or if I could fit it into my lifestyle. Thank you for this article because it reminded me to keep reaching toward the dream of owning my own business and school will be one more step towards that. I look forward to reading your articles. Thank you for all that you do. You truly are an inspiration.
Posted by: hope | 09 March 2012 at 08:31 AM
Great post Jay! I especially like the part where you were adressing us "older" people when you said: "The good news for all of us is that while we're still above ground, it's never too late to begin working on our dreams." I really needed to hear that. Wow, your mom is such a powerful example of never giving up on your dreams no matter how old you are, good for her. I am so glad that I had the priviledge of meeting her while I was down in Mississippi, she's a great lady.
Posted by: Chick | 09 March 2012 at 08:44 AM
Jay,
Great article as always! You always keep me on my toes and push me forward, making me the best "me" I can be! Thank you for the inspiration and the push!
Maria
Posted by: Maria Kaminski | 09 March 2012 at 09:32 AM
Jay Awesome Post!!!!!! Thanks
Posted by: Nick | 09 March 2012 at 11:24 AM
Thanks Jay, you hit a weak link of mine, sharing your story is uplifting, I read an article on will power yesterday and this with your article is power. Now, just get it done Gene
Posted by: [email protected] | 09 March 2012 at 05:01 PM
Great Inspirational Story !!
Posted by: Rpbizz Plant | 12 March 2012 at 01:22 AM
Thanks Jay for always raising the bar. Your words of encouragement light the way and urge us all to steer a course to a more fulfilling and exciting life.
Posted by: Alan | 12 March 2012 at 09:14 AM
This is a wonderful story that surely inspires its readers.
Posted by: Downloads | 12 March 2012 at 10:55 AM
Thanks Hope! I know what you mean, and need to be reminded sometimes too. I'm glad this post was that for you.
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:31 PM
Thanks Chick! Yep, we all need to keep that in mind. And I'm glad you were there too.
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:32 PM
Thanks Maria! I'm so glad to hear (or read) that. :-)
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:32 PM
Thanks Gene! Get it done!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:33 PM
Thanks Nick!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:33 PM
Thanks Rpbizz!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:34 PM
Thanks Alan!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:34 PM
Thanks Downloads!
Posted by: Jay Platt | 12 March 2012 at 01:35 PM