The Power of Determination

In the journey of owning a business, leading a team, or managing a practice, there’s one attribute that consistently separates those who merely dream from those who achieve: determination. It’s a word that is often thrown around casually, but its true significance is revealed in the moments when challenges arise, when the path forward is unclear, and when the easy option is to give up.

We all recognize the need for change. Perhaps it's the desire to reduce stress, improve cash flow, or simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes with success. However, the road to these outcomes is seldom smooth. Obstacles will inevitably arise, and it's here that many people stumble. These obstacles can take many forms: a team resistant to change, the pressures of a busy season, or unexpected personal challenges that demand your immediate attention. Any of these can derail your progress and put your goals out of reach—if you let them.

But the key to overcoming these challenges lies in a simple, yet powerful mindset: determination.

Determination isn’t just about setting a goal and hoping for the best. It’s about having an unwavering commitment to achieving that goal, no matter what stands in your way. This quality is something I’ve observed in two seemingly different groups of people: elite military units and farmers. On the surface, they may seem worlds apart, but they share a common thread. Both groups possess an unyielding determination to accomplish their objectives. Whether it’s completing a mission or ensuring a successful harvest, they don’t question if it will happen—they focus on how it will happen.

This “figure it out” mentality is what drives successful individuals to push through obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately achieve their goals. It’s not a matter of whether challenges will arise; it’s a matter of how you respond to them.

When you encounter resistance from your team, do you let it stop you, or do you find a way to bring them on board? When your schedule is packed to the brim, do you postpone the changes you know are necessary, or do you carve out the time to make them happen? When personal issues arise, do you allow them to derail your progress, or do you find a way to keep moving forward?

The reality is that everyone faces obstacles. Every successful person you admire has been through countless challenges, setbacks, and roadblocks. But what sets them apart is their determination to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

To achieve your goals—whether it’s retiring early, eliminating debt, or building the most respected practice in town—you must cultivate this same determination. It’s the force that will carry you through the tough times, keep you focused on your objectives, and ultimately lead you to success.

So, the next time you find yourself facing an obstacle, remember that it’s not the obstacle itself that determines your success, but how you choose to overcome it. Embrace the mindset of determination, and you’ll find that no challenge is insurmountable. The magic lies not in avoiding obstacles, but in navigating through them with a relentless commitment to achieving your goals.