Finding determination when you're stuck

How your determination style is what keeps you stuck in one place or powering forward.

In my business life, I am asked continually how I face my business with such unwavering determination - even when things haven’t been easy. Today I’ll share how determination impacts my work.

Ideate

While we all know the word determination, when we look at the definition it includes phrases such as “firmness of purpose”, and “strength of will”. Personally, I hear those words and I instantly think of my Father.

I’ve written before about how my Father lived with cancer for over 20 years; to summarise, he did so with pure grit and determination. His determination continually inspires me, and makes my own determination to succeed more palpable day by day.

Helena on the right, with her Father (Philip Traill) on the left, they are taking a selfie at a Coldplay concert.

While personal experience is powerful for determination, there are times and challenges when we all need to find more determination; so I’ve done some research for you so that you can improve your determination and business.

Iterate

In researching this post, I came across some really interesting facts about determination that might help you.

Determination is not “preset” in you. You’re not born either a determined person or not; while there are genetic factors, in reality you can decide and work on your determination to make it stronger.

An inspiring example of this is USA Navy Seal and ultra marathon runner David Goggins for a clear example of that! He was once overweight, struggled (still does) with Dyslexia, and by his own admission, a lonely man. Then, one day, he decided to change and in the process of this evolution, became unstoppable.

How does this happen though? How can you implement the same life changing level of determination and change? Here are some tips from Goggins himself, a bit of science and a lot of personal trial and error.

• Understand how you respond to challenges
  If it rains will you not go for a run because you hate the rain? Find a way to run anyway, or learn to grit through and run in the rain regardless. Remove the pain points wherever possible or, even better, push through the pain and challenge your paint points.

• Reduce decision making fatigue
  It’s much easier to have motivation and determination when all of your mental energy is not taken up in small regular decisions. Steve Jobs was well known for wearing nearly the same work “uniform” everyday to help his focus!

• Build your self awareness
  When you feel that you “can’t be bothered”, “what’s the point”, or “that will have to do”; it’s being aware and catching yourself in these negative thought spirals. It’s here that you can choose to change the thought process to something more positive.

• Pay the learning tax
  When it goes wrong – and it will! Pay the learning tax; or in other words, take the lesson rather than just feeling the pain of failure. It’s a temporary setback and a lesson, not proof of your failings.

Keep working, adjusting (or iterating as I would say!) and finding a path forward. However, a word of warning; the importance of self awareness cannot be understated. Continually finding the positive can lead to a feeling of burnout which is really important to avoid.

Implement

🧠 Are you naturally determined?

🧠 Do you practice determination?