Determination refers to a person’s attitude towards defining goals for himself as well as his ability to take the initiative to achieve those goals. It involves a combination of skills, knowledge, drive and belief in oneself which enable a person to engage in goal-directed action.
Determined people typically have a clear understanding of their strengths, limitations, interests and needs. They use this understanding to make important decisions about their goals, evaluate their progress, make adjustments, and follow through to completion. Determined people don’t allow weakness to deter them from reaching their goals.
Given that this is an Olympic year and the games begin this month, students will be seeing a great deal of determination in action. What a great teaching opportunity! One of the key things that they can glean from watching their favorite athletes is that while talent can open the doors to great opportunities, it’s actually determination that provides people with the “ticket” to achieve their goals. As legendary actress, Sophia Loren, once said; “Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.”
This month the definitions of determination are as follows:
Young students: “I’ve got a ‘No-Quit-Go-For-It’ attitude!”
Older students, teens and adults: The attitude needed to define a goal and then follow through to the end.
During the four weeks of July we will be discussing the following:
Week 1: What are my strengths and limitations? How do I use or overcome them?
Week 2: What are my needs, wants and preferences? What drives me?
Week 3: How do I plan and set goals? What choices do I make?
Week 4: What are the risks and consequences of being determined or not?
As always, one of the best ways to teach and reinforce ‘Determination’ is by modeling strength of character ourselves. Share with your children how you use determination to achieve your own goals and show them how you put determination into action every day.