The Determined Mindset- II

In part one of my column on this important subject we outlined the meaning of determination and the positive attributes of the ‘Determined Mindset’. We looked at Focus, Realistic Goals and Willpower as some of the easy steps to achieve this superpower mindset. In this article let’s look at few other important steps to achieve ‘The Determined Mindset’. I would like to add here a comment on this subject by my childhood friend and reputed Management Consultant Amitava Sengupta “I think a realistic evaluation of goals and achievements on a periodic basis can also be helpful to evaluate course corrections. A realistic self SWOT analysis may also leverage the change in mindset provided you focus on the process rather than on the result”.

Now to other easy but fundamental steps to evolve into ‘The Determined Mindset’.

Purpose

Setting your purpose makes you define your determination. The human brain responds very well to logic and purpose. When you set your purpose, your actions normally revolve around how you can achieve your purpose. A purpose also has expected results when it’s achieved. You get a reason to pursue your goals. But the caveat here is setting a SMART purpose which is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely or else you chase a wish or a dream and set yourself up for failure. Setting a purpose can be applied to multiple goals you may want to achieve.

Planning

To evolve to a successful ‘Determined Mindset’ you need to excel yourself in planning. Have a roadmap and milestones for your goals. Follow the adage ‘Plan your work and work your plan’. Time management also comes into play so that your actions can be consistent and measurable. Take everything into consideration into your planning exercise. Resources, talent, capabilities as well as possible obstacles. Keep time and resources for contingencies. Ensure that your planning is flexible and can be changed during its execution to take care of changes and new challenges.

Positivity

Negativity erodes motivation but positivity is inspiring. Be a beacon of positivity and motivate yourself when you start getting weary. Determination means keeping at it regardless of fatigue or distractions. Positivity brings with it several energy generators like optimism, happiness and good mental health which powers determination. Being positive also creates a conducive work environment which inspires your team or others around you to be more focussed and productive. Being positive is easy but staying positive needs practice. Practice positivity and see the magic unfold.

Self-discipline

To evolve to ‘The Determined Mindset’ self-discipline is critical. Self-discipline as most of you know is when you run on ‘auto pilot’ without being supervised or monitored. To give you an example, if you are on a diet, self-discipline comes in when you avoid the wrong foods and eat right. When you wake up at dawn on your own for your morning walk or go to the gym. To have a ‘Determined Mindset’ you need to follow your dream or goals relentlessly with passion and single focus, without giving in to distractions and other temptations. Self-discipline is also a core skill for sustained progress and success.

Good Health

Functioning at your most optimum level needs the turbo power of good health. If you possess or are evolving to ‘The Determined Mindset’ you will need a lot of energy to consistently make progress. You need good physical and mental health to achieve this. So embrace good eating habits, exercise, sleep well. Manage stress effectively and embrace happiness. The first most critical step to take is to manage your work and life balance effectively. Your life is more important than your work because if you do not manage your personal life well you can never really become your best version.

So imbibe the qualities of Focus, Realistic Goals, Willpower, Purpose, Planning, Positivity, Self-discipline and Good Health to evolve to ‘The Determined Mindset’.

“Determination becomes obsession and then it becomes all that matters.” – Jeremy Irvine

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.