Determination must be a driving force in all our lives. The challenges that we face in life can do one of two things: make you or break you. On March 8, 2013, I had the privilege of being the guest speaker at a church’s youth event in Miami Beach, Florida. It is difficult to describe the level of excitement that I felt in the moment that I realized that I was standing at the altar, motivating the youth to push toward their dreams. During the question and answer period, one of the teenagers asked an intriguing question, “How did you remain so motivated during the tribulations and to then become a passionate mentor?” This was one of the most thought provoking questions that I have been asked since the release of my book, The Courage To Believe. My response to the young lady, who is a high school senior, was that I did not want to be another failure in my family or in my community.

Motivation is found within and activated from without. When it is needed, human nature taps into the immeasurable power of motivation, triggering our spirit to move towards accomplishing our dreams. What pushed me to the point of no return was the realization that there were people that hoped that I would crumble, fail, and ultimately lose. I used their negativity as a stimulus to motivate and propel me to have a winning attitude. This is exactly what you should do. You can accomplish anything, if you continually put forth the effort to achieve it.

I did not find the determination within me to succeed until I found a purpose for my life. You will know that you are determined when you take a devastating blow to your life, such as hospitalization, homelessness, or loss of a family member, and decide to keep on pressing forward in the pursuit of your dreams. I prayed for years that God would allow me to break the curse of financial lack and incarceration that had plagued my family for generations. Today, I have a renewed mindset, a bachelor’s degree in political science, two businesses, and great success as an internet marketing consultant all because my desire to obtain more out of life became a goal upon which to focus my determination.

Find what motivates you to actually put your wheels in motion. Moving forward, despite life’s challenges, will give you a feeling of accomplishment and the momentum you will need to get results. The Bible states, “From Glory To Glory and from Victory to Victory!” Faith without works is dead, so let’s work towards success and live as champions!

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