It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. General Douglas MacArthur
Every day is a challenge, a war with our emotions, our feelings, our thoughts and our experiences. Most times we win the battle because we are prepared mentally and ensure that we are well equipped to meet the challenges with a positive attitude, a firm determination and a fighting spirit. On the occasions when we are defeated, dispirited and desperate we tend to lose hope, fail to see the learning from the experience and instead are tempted to throw in the towel. Fortunately for us more often than not our will to win will energize our spirit and keep us going to fight another day.
The reality of life is that, for us to achieve anything or attain anything, we must have a strong motivation, a passionate desire and a very firm will and determination. Look back at the school days and visualize the passionate competition indulged in by the toppers be it in academics, sports or extra circular activities. Can you recollect some of the more innovative techniques and styles of these people, the constant studies or practice they endured and the numerous distractions they overcame in order to unwaveringly attain their goal? The will is not just any commitment but a steadfast refusal to be distracted by anything be it happy or sorrow filled, challenging and risky and / or routine or experiential.
Look at boxers in a ring and the sheer brutality of the game is a classic example of how the will becomes central to the success of the ultimate winner. While good technique, stamina, physical fitness, power packed punches etc. are all very vital elements, the winners are able to take a punishment and inflict worse on the opponent and this is made possible by drawing on their determination and will. The sufferings we undergo may not be physically so challenging but mentally and emotionally they can be torturous and we would need to draw upon all our inner strength and self belief to overcome the pain and hurt.
A strong will is quite different from being obstinate. The former is focused and clear and we are convinced we must tread during our journey through life, whereas obstinacy is a more emotional, less rational and possibly a rather radical approach. When we have the will it is a conscious and planned approach that takes into account the upside gains and the downside losses and lets the circumstances determine our commitment. On the other hand when we are obstinate we are committed no matter what the situation. Obstinacy is often triggered by our ego, our perceived but mistaken notion of our invincibility and our itch to prove a point. Many a war is actually played in the mind; we need to acknowledge a problem, we would have to make painful decisions with regards to how to tackle it and there are times when we have to simply step back and withdraw to avoid more humiliation and misery. Then we may live to fight another day and win.
Remember: “So many of our dreams at first seem Impossible, then they seem Improbable, and then when we Summon the Will, they soon become Inevitable. Christopher Reeve
Try this:
- Name 3 things that you envy, that is owned by a friend who is of comparable financial status and background as you. Now make a determined will to also acquire it within a determined time frame and be prepared to make sacrifices for it. Experience the joy when you actually acquire it.
- For the New Year, make your New Year resolutions list. Ensure that there are at least 3 personal habits or personal changes that you want to make in the coming year. E.g. To be more punctual at work or to spend less time on the internet etc.
This post is courtesy www.actspot.com
You are also invited to visit our WEEKLY Inspirational and Motivational Blog www.poweract.blogspot.com
Actspot's Blog 