Paul Graham and his partners invest in startup businesses. He says,

“We learned quickly that the most important predictor of success is determination. At first we thought it might be intelligence. Everyone likes to believe that’s what makes startups succeed. It makes a better story that a company ‘won’ because its founders were so smart.

The PR people and reporters who spread such stories probably believe the stories themselves. But while it certainly helps to be smart, it’s not the deciding factor. There are plenty of people as smart as Bill Gates who achieve nothing.”

The Person Behind the Opportunity

They say that when Venture Capitalists evaluate a new business to invest in, they evaluate the PERSON more than the opportunity or business.

They look for determination, because they know that is the key to success. When you get truly determined, you become unstoppable.

You will burn through any obstacle and attract a host of willing followers. Most people are looking for a strong leader. Someone once said,

“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.”

A Look At What Determination Is

Let’s look at this word, “Determination”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “determination” as “the act of deciding definitely and firmly.”

It includes the word, “termination”, which, to me, implies the termination, or end of alternatives or options.

The word “Decide” has the Latin root “-cide” in it, meaning “to kill” – to kill off any recourse or modifications.

Set in stone – no turning back – no more dithering – no questions asked – burn the bridges, all-or-nothing, this is it, baby.

A Quitter Will Never Win

Ayn Rand  accomplished amazing triumphs in her life. Her motto was,

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

Sounds a bit like Mohammad Ali, doesn’t it? George Allen said,

“People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don’t know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to.”

In my 23 years of business, I have never seen a truly determined person fail. I have seen many highly educated people with massive support and financial backing fail, however, due to lack of determination.

Quitters NEVER win. My daughter, Sacha, is the most determined person I know.

The Personal Success Plan

Finally, let me share with you what I learned from Paul J. Meyer, Founder, Success Motivation® International, Inc., when I got into business 23 years ago. This “Personal Success Plan” he created is burned into my brain. Note step number five.

“1. Crystallize Your Thinking

Determine what specific goal you want to achieve. Then dedicate yourself to its attainment with unswerving singleness of purpose, the trenchant zeal of a crusader.

2. Develop a Plan for Achieving Your Goal and a Deadline for its Attainment

Plan your progress carefully; hour-by hour, day-by-day, month-by-month. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are the wellsprings of your power.
3.  Develop a Sincere Desire for the Things You Want in Life.

A burning desire is the greatest motivator of every human action. The desire for success implants “success consciousness” which, in turn, creates a vigorous and ever-increasing “habit of success.”

4. Develop Supreme Confidence in Yourself and Your Own Abilities

Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses…on your powers, instead of your problems.

5. Develop a Dogged Determination to Follow Through on Your Plan, Regardless of Obstacles, Criticism or Circumstances or What Other People Say, Think, or Do.

Construct your Determination with Sustained Effort, Controlled Attention, and Concentrated Energy. OPPORTUNITIES never come to those who wait…they are captured by those who dare to ATTACK.”

Determination 24/7/365

With this level of determination, you cannot fail.

“24/7/365, outside my comfort zone, whatever it takes, I am bulletproof”

– those are the words of a determined winner, who never doubts the fact that she or he will conquer. And here’s the best part: determination can’t be

• inherited,
• bought,
• stolen,
• leased,
• or copied

– it is simply CHOSEN – second-by-second, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, until it becomes a habit and a natural way of living.

You win by being determined, and determined people are focused, consistent, congruent, and unstoppable.