The Determined Mindset

At the outset, I would like to profusely thank my clients, mentors, colleagues, friends and family for everything I learnt in my journey of life and my profession as my 100^th article is published today in Reputation Today. I am grateful to team Reputation Today for giving me this wonderful opportunity of expressing myself in the column ‘Destination Mindset’ every Monday. Come to think of it, while changing our mindset helps us achieve our goals faster and better, understanding mindsets helps us communicate effectively. When I look back at all my articles in this column and think deeply, I realise that its ‘The Determined Mindset’ that helped me score a century. I had requested my network of professional friends to send me a topic to write my 100^th article and I must express my gratitude for the huge shower of suggestions that I received. I have enough topics now for the next few months! ‘The Determined Mindset’ is one of them. Above everyone I would like to thank my readers for following my column and sharing your continuous feedback

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word ‘determined’ as ‘wanting to do something very much and not allowing anyone or any difficulties to stop you’. As we all know, just thinking and planning does not achieve anything but timely action and impeccable execution makes all the difference. You may set goals that are bang on, but unless you work towards them, they remain targets in your wish list. If you are determined you stay on course because there are several distractions along the way which can take away the focus, you need to achieve your goals and dreams. Here are some easy to implement steps that can positively change your mindset to a ‘Determined Mindset. Since there are several steps, this article will be continued next week.

Focus

If you are determined to do something or want to achieve a goal, you need a razor sharp focus. If you do not naturally have this bent of mind and get distracted easily, you need to develop the ability to focus or sharpen this quality you possess. We are all born with a restless mind where multiple thoughts are born every minute. These are internal distractions and then there are multiple external distractions which include intrusion of new developments, interventions and interruptions. You need to keep aside dedicated focus times to make uninterrupted progress in what you pursue to achieve. Only then will you be able to value add to your efforts. So the first step is complete and passionate focus.

Realistic Goals

Goal setting can set you up for failure if you are not realistic. Ask yourself some important questions while you set your goals. Do you have the knowledge and ability to set your goal? Have you considered all the aspects of the deadlines you have set to achieve your goal? Is it practical? Do you need help from others to achieve your goal?

Answer these questions honestly and then set your goals accordingly. Many of us overestimate our real talent and abilities and therefore however determined you are, you fail in achieving what you have set out to do. Set realistic goals and milestones. Effective time management is another important aspect in setting goals, because then you measure your achievements according to your milestones to stay on course.

Willpower

To possess a ‘Determined Mindset’ you essentially need a strong willpower. You must have some sense of built in resolve to keep to what you decide to do despite any other distractions. For example if you have embarked on a diet to lose weight to become healthier, you must have the willpower to stick to your diet, no matter what the circumstances are. 50 years ago did we imagine that we would land on the moon? It did take a team of people with determined mindsets to make this achievement.

(Continued in my next article)

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination” Tommy Lasorda

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Amitesh Banerjee

Amitesh is a seasoned positive integrated communications disruptor with several years of multi- country/multi- domain experience. He has worked for reputed organisations in senior leadership positions including JWT, ITC, New Zealand Dairy Board, Seychelles Marketing Board, Perfect Relations, Genesis BCW, Adfactors, Della Group, H+K Strategies among others. Amitesh is Senior Vice President of Beanstalk Asia- a leading Integrated Marketing Communications firm.