Determination

Determination: Never Say No
Determination. When most people are asked to define this word, almost everyone would say that it means to never give up, to work through hardships, and to see their goal through to the end. Examples of determination are all around. Some people go through life determined to make a difference in this world and to make it a better place for all. Other people work hard and continue to work hard for individual success in the hustle and bustle of the business world. Both are good examples of determination. Another good example of determination is represented in the book Three Cups of Tea. The author, Greg Mortenson, works hard and sacrifices a lot to build a school in Krophe, a small village in Pakistan. By looking at these examples, one can see what this word means and what it means to other people. It is also evident that if no one was ever determined to do anything good or great in this world then this world would be a much bleaker place to live.
Determination is not just a word for people that are trying to make this world into a better place, but can also be a word for a power hungry, rich tycoon that is determined to increase their wealth and influences no matter what. Determination in the business world is not a bad thing because the desire to beat the competition makes way for innovations and new ideas. Determination is also vital for the small business owner who is trying to build a successful business. They will go through many hardships but if they can persevere, they can become another success story like some well-known local companies such as Starbucks, Boeing, Zumiezs, Jones Soda, and Microsoft. These companies play a vital role in the economy and without determination; they would not have had the will to continue through the early struggles of starting a business. Unsuccessful people and companies can be determined also, but sometimes determination is not enough to succeed. You need a little luck and something unique that sets you apart. But with determination usually opportunities will come.
Also, the word determination can be used to describe the people and the nonprofit organizations that go out to help the less fortunate. Some good examples are the people that are helping in Haiti and those who go to Africa with vaccinations and medicines. These are the people that don’t talk about helping but are determined to go where they are needed and give what they can, often devoting their entire lives for the greater good.
One example of the type of people that are determined to go out to help the less fortunate is Greg Mortenson. In his book Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson goes through many hardships but never loses sight of his goal to build a school. One quote from the book illustrates the challenges he faced. “He had been a hero to the members of City Rock. But now, every time he opens his mouth, his stories were about failures: a summit not reached, a woman lost, a bridge and a school not built.”(Mortenson 105) Despite these setbacks, Mortenson is determined to see his project to the end. When he finds out they need a bridge more than a school, they shift their focus to building a bridge instead of a school. He could have said no, I am here now and I want to get my school done now, but he actually said “What do we need? How do we get started? (Mortenson 103) This quote shows he is determined to help the people of Krophe with whatever they need.
When asked what determination means a lot of other words come to mind like, sacrifice, obsessing, dedication, motivation, perseverance, focus, and the ability to work through adversity and to strive for excellence. There are many well-known phrases describing determination. One quote by Albert Einstein illustrates the point that determination is trying to be the best and always improving. “You have to learn the rules of the game and then you have to play better than anyone else.” Another quote is from Helen Keller, “While they were saying among themselves it cannot be done, it was done.” This quote addresses the point that there are people that will tell you it can’t be done without trying it for themselves because they lack the determination to try.
Determination is found through the actions of many successful people. Determination is what keeps them going forward even though it might be hard and determination is what makes them see it through to the end. Although different people show determination in different ways, be it the for their own benefit or for the benefit of others, one thing stays the same and it is that they fight through adversity and continue to try to reach their goal, and just maybe they might help or change the world.