After reading Jeri-Lyn McCrea's blog "Word of the Day - Determination" it was a good reminder of the power of personal determination in achieving personal goals.

But how can we turn on determination?

McCrea mentions in her blog, that the driving force behind your own determination may relate to your:

1unrelenting desire to succeed

2inner awareness that life can be better than it is

3personal strengths

4commitment to your dreams and goals

5persistent effort to do your best

Determination is the both the decision to achieve something and the persistence to see it through. Here are some of the ingredients that can help stir up some determination for you. The first is to be explicitly clear about what it is that you want. What will it look like when you have what you want? How will you know that you have achieved it? Having a vision and being specific about the outcome gives you the opportunity to commit to creating that outcome. Now that you have somewhere to get to the next ingredient is to ask yourself "Why is what you are doing important to you?". The answer to this question is the meaning behind what we are striving for in life. When we have meaning we get inspired about our goals and objectives. Now add some substance that you can sink your teeth into which is a plan. What steps might you take to achieve this vision? When we can see the steps that we need to take to achieve our goal we get excited because we see that it is possible. With a clear vision, meaning and steps to take ask yourself "Am I willing to commit to achieving this outcome?" It is the commitment to producing a result that fuels determination.

With life coaching and business coaching clients we continue to explore these questions regularly to ensure that the vision, inspiration and commitment stay fresh.

Find a way to keep your dreams fresh.

Michael Palmer, Life Coach