Determination

So, where does it come from?

 

Why, determination trees, of course.

 

and the determination trees from determination seeds?

 

Some untapped fervor of knowing your own worth perhaps.

 

I was wondering that. For determination to take root, is self-belief a prerequisite?

 

only from within, sorry to say... it can't be instilled, or learned, though seeing examples of it in others may help or inspire you to want to develop it in yourself...

 

Quite true. Learning determination would be a paradox in my opinion, as learning itself requires determination.

 

Determination comes from the same place as stubbornness. But you can help it by breaking a task down into milestones. That way you don't have to look as far ahead at any one time, and each milestone conquered increases your confidence to make it to the end.

 

Well, if not self-belief, maybe its younger twin siblings--motivation and faith. I think ya' gotta both want something and believe in the possibility of attaining it in order to justify the determination it takes to succeed. Having a few experiences along the way that suggest you're on the right track probably doesn't hurt either.

 

Determination actually does come from a tree -- the tree of life.

 

Most assuredly. Without a basis in the self, there is not tangible consequence to effort, action, or belief or even import to these things. I have wrestled many a night with the question of identity and motives, and it a rather convoluted and frustrating bout, but at times rewarding.

 

so, what's the opposite of self-belief?

not believing you exist?

or are you using that to mean 'self-confidence' [which is really not the same thing at all, imo]. . .

 

well I'm glad we cleared that up

 

Determination is a fickle thing. At times, I feel to do anything, and at other times, it abandons me. I assume it's degree permanence is dependent on the amount of successful endeavors one has achieved.

 

ah but is determination the drive to keep doing it even though you really can't be bothered?

 

it should be, rawne... otherwise, it's not 'determination' but only a fleeting impulse, or whim of the moment...

 

In my opinion, determination is simply the mechanism through which willpower expresses itself. The subject or goal of determination can be any desired outcome...overcoming a physical limitation like a post-trauma soldier learning to walk on artificial legs, imposing a value system on a nation like Obama’s attempt to radically alter the USA health care system, building a successful business while overcoming numerous financial setbacks (me), achieving a difficult goal like running a four minute mile or winning 14 gold medals in the Olympics like Michael Phelps who was diagnosed with ADHD at 7-years-old. In all cases, determination springs from the internal attribute known as willpower. So, where does such strong "will" come from?