Determination is a Superpower or a Supervillain

by Rick White, President 180BIZ                                                      (Estimated Read Time 3 minutes)

Determination is an amazing thing. It is a superpower, but it can also be a supervillain. When is determination bad? Determination is bad when you don't have a destination. See, determination without a destination equals disaster. You're just constantly repeating the past. Determination is fantastic when you're determined about the right thing. When you're determined on what you're doing when you are not willing to bend, when the path you’re on is the only path, this is the only way to get to where I want to go, it will get you into trouble.

Identify what you’re determined about.

In the Mandalorian, this is the way that is. That’s okay sometimes, but not here. What are you determined about? What are you determined for? Let me tell you a super simple secret tip to see if you're determined about the right thing. Dig into your frustrations. For most of us, it's shoulder in, and if that doesn't work, we put more shoulder in. That’s okay when it is getting you somewhere, but when it doesn't, it will create frustration.

Lack of progress creates frustration.

The lack of progress creates that frustration. What I want you to do is slow down. Then dig into that frustration because it will help you understand what you're focused on, what you're clinging so hard to. There's a difference between the destination and the path. Too many people in this world are determined to make their path work no matter what, and it doesn't. It can't. And even if that path worked in the past, it doesn't mean it will work in the future. What you must be determined about is where you're going, not how you will get there. When you are so determined to make your path work, when it's clear it isn't, that is the source of frustration, bitterness, and disillusionment.  Get determined about where you're going.

We are determined, as a company, 180BIZ is determined as a company to make the world a better place, one shop at a time. That is our credo, motto, mission, and crusade. But I must tell you, we have changed paths probably 10 or 15 times over the last 20 years because what worked yesterday doesn't work today.

Don’t let frustrations create feelings of failure.

I don't want your frustrations to create feelings of failure. I want those frustrations to uncover the seeds of opportunity. Because that's what each one of them will do. Step back and recommit to where you're going and stay flexible on the path. Now, that doesn't mean you're just going to go a little bit, and if it doesn't work you give up. No, we must give each path a chance.  Modify and measure and modify as we go along so that that path becomes smoother and easier.

The most powerful tool in your toolbox is feedback.

The most powerful tool you have in your toolbox is feedback. Feedback prevents the frustrations. Feedback feeds progress. So what I want you to do is step back. I want you to think about your destination. I want you to recommit to your destination. Have it be more than money. Have it be something cool like, “Hey, I want to provide for my team and my family. I want to take care of the best people I can, my clients.”

Here's what I want you to do this week, your homework. Number one, share this video. There are a bunch of frustrated people who if they could listen to this video and take it to heart, it would change their lives. I need your help to do that. Second, think through what's frustrating you right now. It might not be work, it could be something at home. Thomas Jefferson said it best, “Stay determined on your destination and flexible on your path.”

We have our Shop Owner’s Round Table, on the second Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Eastern, and we would love you and your friends to drop by. Shop owners only. And then we have our upcoming Pocket Business Genius webinar on the second Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern time. 

God bless. stay safe, have some fun, and go make some money.  Take care.

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