Determination is the foundation of willpower

Determination is an essential quality to nurture to make life successful. On my spiritual journey, no matter how much enthusiasm I have or how clear my aim is, without determination I will give up sooner or later. In times of challenge, we need to take care that determination does not lead to stubbornness, which is a form of resistance. If we take time to connect to God’s light in meditation, we can let go of resistance and quietly listen for the most compassionate way to deal with the situation. An approach or an answer will present itself.
The quality of our thoughts affects the quality of our relationships, our words and our actions. One way to take charge of our thinking, and regain loving rule over the mind, is to practice affirmations. Affirmations are promises we make to ourselves, that are helpful to strengthen the mind. We can do this in order to break negative habits or weak thoughts created as a result of conflicts and mistaken attitudes.
We could, for example affirm that:
• Today I will see the good in others and not think about what is negative or harmful.
• I will see others in the way I would like them to see me.
• From now on I will not judge others.
• I will speak peacefully, slowly and softly.
• I will stay calm and in peace and not react.
If we think, or better yet speak the affirmation out loud, at least five times a day, it becomes recorded in our subconscious. We need to say them with feeling, believing in them and not in a monotonous and impersonal voice. When we listen to something repeatedly, we begin to believe in it. Advertising and songwriters use this technique constantly. They create a phrase, a slogan, and repeat it over and over again in the media until finally, people believe it.
Contentment comes when we are thinking in a pure and uplifting way. If we are determined to only consume healthy information, and to make sure we nourish the mind with uplifting concepts, ideas and powerful affirmations, we will see wonders. There may be success, there may be failure but neither are the end of the story. As Winston Churchill said:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Chirya Yvonne Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher, based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.