Understanding Determination and Perseverance
Determination is the inner drive and commitment to achieving a goal, no matter the obstacles in the way. It’s our resolve to achieve our goals no matter what. It’s the fuel that keeps us moving forward despite difficulties and keeps us focused on what matters most.
Example: Career advancement - continuing to work hard, take courses, seek feedback to get promoted after being overlooked. Self improvement and personal goals are other examples.
Perseverance, on the other hand, is the ability to keep going despite failures, setbacks, obstacles and discouragement. It’s being steadfast to keep going despite difficulty or a delay in what we’re working towards. It’s not taking no for an answer and working to get what you want no matter what.
Examples: Developing a new skill, completing a course of study, or continuing to work on your new business despite slow growth.
Together, the qualities of determination with perseverance form an unstoppable force that propels us towards our ultimate goals and feelings of success. We can get what we want and outcomes we desire.
Determination gives us the initial push to start and is internal commitment.
Perseverance ensures we continue despite hardships.
Many of the most successful individuals in history—Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, and J.K. Rowling—faced significant failures before achieving greatness. Their secret? They were both determined to succeed and persistent in their efforts. We can lean into our role models and learn from them.
Why Determination and Perseverance Matter
- Building Resilience – Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. These qualities help you develop the mental and emotional strength and resilience needed to withstand difficulties and emerge stronger.
- Improves Self Confidence - when we bounce back and achieve what we thought we couldn’t we grow our confidence. This then can propel us even further. Consistently working toward your goals builds confidence in your own abilities and reinforces the mindset that you can overcome any obstacle.
- Achieving Goals & Dreams - These qualities are essential for staying focused on long-term objectives. This focus helps us maintain momentum and reach our goals.
- Leads to Mastery – No skill is perfected overnight. Musicians, writers, scientists, and athletes spend years honing their craft. Determination and perseverance turn effort into excellence.
- Enhances Professional & Personal Growth - These can lead to career advancement, fulfillment and improved relationships.
- Inspires Others – Your ability to persist can serve as motivation for others. When people witness your determination, they too are encouraged to push forward in their own endeavors.
- Strengthens Self-Belief – Consistently working toward your goals builds confidence in your own abilities and reinforces the mindset that you can overcome any obstacle.
- Set Clear & Specific Goals – Knowing what you want to achieve gives you direction and purpose. Set SMART goals to fine tune them.
- Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool – Instead of seeing failure as defeat, view it as a stepping stone to improvement.
- Stay Positive and Motivated – Surround yourself with supportive people, read inspiring stories, and maintain a mindset of optimism.
- Break Challenges into Small Steps – Tackling a big goal can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks makes it easier to stay on track.
- Develop Self-Discipline – Consistency and commitment are key. Train yourself to keep going even when motivation wanes. What’s one small thing you can do to move forward.
- Learn from Role Models – Study the lives of people who have achieved great things through sheer determination and perseverance. There are terrific documentaries, books, movies and TED Talks that can lift you up and inspire you.
- What area of your life would you like to build resilience in?
- What are your super powers? What are you really good at?
- Who benefits from your determination and perseverance?
- What do you want to keep doing and working towards? How will this improve your self belief?
No matter how many times you fall, what truly matters is how many times you get back up.
So keep on keeping on and don’t lose sight of your dreams, inspirations and goals —because determination and perseverance pay off in the end. I believe in you!
If you or someone you know would like support for persevering, goals, career development, professional development, or have been knocked down by life reach out and contact me. I provide a safe, non-judgmental place for clients to live boldly and succeed.
I have space for two clients in April. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Marvelous March Client Wins: “I’m no longer burned out and my stress level is manageable now.”, “Wow, what a coaching session, I unpacked a lot and have clarity now, Thank you.”, “I feel confident in my career pivot.” Follow me on social media for insightful questions, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Mindfully being determined and persevering on my goals.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
· Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
· The First Days: Coping with Life after Loss (updated 2nd edition)
· Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights, and wisdom from Austin area coaches
· My Journey as a Widow: A Widow’s First Journal