The Power of Determination
by Zandria

This Friday, the opening ceremony of the Olympics will kick off in Beijing. Over the next few weeks, impressive athletic feats will be on display, records will be broken, and medals will be handed out. While the high level of talent and athleticism on display is undeniably impressive, the thing that stands out most to me in these Olympians is the level of discipline and determination they possess. That’s how they got to where they are today.

I really am awed by it. The relentless training, the strict nutritional guidelines, the single-minded focus required so that nothing gets in the way of their goals. I think the reason I'm so impressed by it is because I don't quite understand it. It’s impossible to relate unless you’ve experienced something similar yourself. You may have the physical capability to be the best in your sport, but reaching the performance level of most Olympic athletes would be impossible without the determination required to make it happen.

Although I find it commendable that someone could be so completely dedicated to a goal, I don't know if I'd ever want to be able to relate to Olympians to that extent. While it might be nice to feel so strongly about something -- to love something and be really good at it -- a lot of that success is due to other things having been given up. Relationships. Free time. The sacrifices are worth it to some people, but I don’t love any sport or hobby so much that I’d want to devote a majority of my waking hours to it.

I would, however, be okay with a stronger level of determination than I have right now. I've often thought that if I were more determined, it would be easier for me to set more difficult fitness goals for myself. Maybe I wouldn’t still be struggling to complete 10 standard push-ups in a row. Maybe I’d be closer to my unassisted pull-up goal.

A friend of mine who reads my personal blog told me not long ago that I seem almost surprised when I accomplish a goal that I've set for myself. In her words:

You still seem somewhat surprised at yourself when you accomplish goals, but the kind of goals you have set for yourself are entirely within your control. You just have to plan what you need to do reach your goal, and then do it. There's no magic to it. "Plan your work and work your plan" -- best advice I ever got.

She’s right. Although I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, I’m not doing anything extraordinary. I’m physically healthy, so -- within reason -- I could be doing a lot of things right now that I’m not currently doing. At this point, I know I don't feel like I do enough -- not nearly as much as I'm capable of doing, at least. I’m not saying this because I want people to prove me wrong by listing all the things I currently do that maybe other people don't do. That’s just the way I feel.

Those Olympic athletes? They’re hardcore. They set their sights on something and don’t give up. Even though I'm okay with never reaching the same mental level, they have a lot to teach us about the power of determination.

Related Reading:

Melissa has been looking at profiles of female Olympians in magazines and finds them inspiring.

Spin Diva loves watching the Olympics, and shares a link to a website that shows athletes preparing for the big event.

Maria Kang talks about how to get back on track when you’ve strayed from your regular training plan.

Women's Health: Get in Olympic Shape (the Q&A pages are really interesting)

BeliefNet: Top 15 Most Inspirational Olympic Moments

(Contributing editor Zandria had dinner with six fellow bloggers on Saturday. She blogs at Zandria.us.)

Submitted by Zandria (view blog) on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 08:39
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Comments

 

I agree

The level of determination is amazing. I do love watching all the events and seeing the stories on the athletes. I have so much respect for them. They are motivating in many ways as well.

I also love how the Olympics brings the world together. Living abroad has taught me even more of why this is so important.

Blondie in Brazil

Blog about my adventures living in Brazil: www.blondieinbrazil.blogspot.com

My thoughts as a Nutritionist: www.fakefoodfree.com

Submitted by Blondie In Brazil on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 06:55
 

Determination

 I don't think I could stick to it as long as these elite athletes have, but I do admire their strength and will power.  I could use some of that when I don't want to get up and run in the morning, or I'm thinking of not giving 100% at my pilates class.

 

Doris

The Leaky Cauldron
Everything Harry Potter.


Fit, Fabulous and Forty the Natural Way!
My journey to lifelong fitness as I enter my forties!

Submitted by Doris on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 07:23
 

Yeah, they are awesome.

I admire them. How awesome would it be that your main job of the day is to prepare your body for peak performance.  Trainers and coaches and family and friends all cheering you on.  Must be a great time for all of our althetes competing! I'm personally hoping to see some basketball.  I like seeing all the NBA guys from different teams playing together on one team.

Submitted by KatieBeez on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 08:57
 

So true!

I think it must be at least a little easier to get up in the morning, knowing you're accountable to so many people.

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Singles/Fitness

Submitted by Zandria on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:39
 

Professional athletes pay a huge price

So I don't really find their choices inspiring. 

But I do agree about determination and - above all - sticking to your exercise/ clean eating plan and being consistent. 

The link is to MizFit. She is an awesome woman and she has a great, inspiring fitness blog. I adore her. Totally worth checking out. 

Vered DeLeeuw

http://momgrind.com/

Submitted by Vered on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 10:37
 

Love the link!

MizFit is my hero. :)

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Singles/Fitness

Submitted by Zandria on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:39
 

Self-determination

Self-determination is defined as free choice of one’s own acts
without external compulsion, and especially as the freedom of the
people of a given territory to determine their own political status or independance from their current state.
The latter is a complex concept with conflicting definitions and legal
criteria for determining which groups may legitimately claim the right
to self-determination

 

http://www.sports-trader.net

Submitted by foodlover on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 10:51
 

Musicians

Then think about musicians doing their practise for at least 3-4 hours every day of the lives. A lot of us play well into old age even. We are the athletes of fine/small movement. Disiplin builds character, I find. Can be useful from time to time.

 

A practise is a wonderful gift you give to yourself. 

Submitted by KLinnea on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 12:16
 

Good point!

Musicians indeed do a lot of practicing to stay in top shape. :)

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Singles/Fitness

Submitted by Zandria on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:43
 

Talking Determination-Olympians are
inspirations to children too

Hi Zandria- 

As someone who coaches educators and creates character ed curriculum for children, I think the Olympics are amazing.  They are character in action, don't you think?  They show what determination looks like when you see it through-- they are goal-setting at it's finest and discipline at it's most focused.

Many of the after-school programs I work with and advise teach children physical skills as well as character-based skills.  They are gymnastics, martial arts, and swim schools that look to the Olympians to show their students what's possible.  It's not about determination as it relates to the Olympians, but rather, determination as it relates to anyone's goals.  If they can get to Beijing, we can finish writing a book or get an A on a test, or whatever our goal is at the time.

Researchers have suggested a strong link between enhanced self-determination skills
and doing better in school and out of schools for students with and
without disabilities.

http://drrobyn.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/children-and-determination-what-...

I define determination for the children in our Powerful Words member schools as a "no-quit-go-for-it attitude." It's the key to success in anything they do!

Thanks for the article-

Dr. Robyn 

Dr. Robyn J.A. Silverman

Child and Teen Development Expert

Body Image Specialist

http://www.DrRobynSilverman.com

http://www.DrRobynsBlog.com

http://www.BodyImageBlog.com

Submitted by DrRobyn on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 13:16
 

Fabulous!

Thank you so much for your feedback, Robyn. I'm going to check out that post as well as your blog. I really love the idea of defining determination as a "no-quit-go-for-it attitude!" :)

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Singles/Fitness

Submitted by Zandria on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:46
 

A practice

Some the idea of a practice is very appealing. One might build character and self respekt as well as doing a real journey of self discovery. You also build skill and discover how long it takes to get your knowledge internalized. It can be highly enjoyable.

Submitted by KLinnea on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:54
 

Determination is a No-Quit-Go-For-it
Attitude!

Thanks for coming by to my parenting blog, Zandria!  And thanks for the kinds props on Powerful Words!

 All of my definitions for Powerful Words are one's that can be easily remembered by young children.  SInce the curriculum is for children ages 3 and up, I have a simple definition for the youngest children and then a more sophisticated definition for the older kids, teens, and adults.  This past month was lots of fun.  Determination is a great word and seeing it in action with the Olympics and the Olympic Trials was a perfect match.  I actually spoke at the Gymnastics Olympic Trials and Congress in late June about the importance of determination in children-- especially as it related to quitting, becoming a leader, and dealing with challenges. 

This month the word of the powerful word of the month is generosity-- so switching gears-- but we always want children to take each lesson with them from month to month and apply it to their lives.  That's how to creat a leader, after all!

On top of that, we aim to help the parents and the educators to inspire the children by embodying the Powerful Word themselves.  After all, the Olympics come and go-- but the parents and educators are constants in the children's lives.  We all need to show stick-to-itiveness if we expect that children will see things through.  We are their superheroes and we need to be the best versions of ourselves if we want children to really rise to their own potential.  WHen they see our determination and our "goal-getting" attitude, they'll employ it as well.

Talk to you soon!

Dr. Robyn 

 

Dr. Robyn J.A. Silverman

Child and Teen Development Expert

Body Image Specialist

http://www.DrRobynSilverman.com

http://www.DrRobynsBlog.com

http://www.BodyImageBlog.com

Submitted by DrRobyn on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 12:54
 

Very, very cool!

It sounds like a wonderful project you have going on, especially with gearing the definitions for different age groups and such. Not to mention...that's awesome that you were a speaker for the Gymnastics Olympic Trials!

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Singles/Fitness

Submitted by Zandria on Thu, 08/07/2008 - 08:47
 

The journey

The journey and experimantation are also interesting aspects of a learning practice. Experimentation gives you a repertoiry of expression, but of course you need some basic skills before you can start.

 

Parents can be a blessing or quite the opposite - it seems a child will do anything to get the parent's approval. I always hope for supportive parents with a little, but not too much -  backbone. Helpful and interested, not stern. Being a parent isn't easy.

After a while, as a teacher, one hopes for an internal drive towards having fun achieving.

Submitted by KLinnea on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 13:25