Regarding Determination
I get to work with a lot of goal oriented people. Sometimes it seems like everyone is working toward some
goal. I like it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. But I must say, after 20 years of watching others work toward their goals, and living through my own personal victories and defeats, I’ve decided that determination is more important that intelligence.
We give intelligence a lot of credit. Being smart is helpful, no doubt. And it gets you a lot of street creed. But as a predictor of success … it’s just not the deciding factor.
We talk about talent but I’m convinced it’s overrated as well. For all of our talk about talent, skill, technique, resources and sheer God given smarts, the dude with the most singular, stop-at-nothing, focuse will usually win in the end.
Bet on the one with the most determination.
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I pretty much disagree that intelligence can be helpful. I think that for most people, it is more often downright harmful. Obviously, a baseline level of cognitive function is necessary, but beyond that, I think intelligent people get into more trouble from over-thinking and over-analyzing.
Are you suggesting then that gut instinct or just plain guessing are better than intelligence for making choices? Determination is often confused with conviction.
Several years ago I spent 7 weeks canoeing in the Canadian Artic. On several occasions we faced gale force head winds on large lakes still partially covered with ice. Despite boundless amounts of determination we only went backwards when attempting to paddle into the wind. We also were at considerable danger of swamping in the frigid conditions hundreds of miles from any help. We had a goal to make it to Baker Lake, but the only way to accomplish that goal was to put aside our determination and watch the wind howl for a few days.
I think a combination of characteristics applied in different amounts, like mixing paint, depending on the situation is the best strategy.
Great outlook. BTW – I’m counting on it.
@Julio, I’d like to put intelligence in the “blessing and a curse” category. Like all of out talents and gifts it all depends on how you use it.
@Greg Your example is task specific. I agree that activity and effectiveness is not the same thing. You can do a lot of worthless activity and still be totally ineffective and no closer to your goal.
But I hold to the idea that as a rule, the guy with the determination is most likely to eventually succeed. There is no greater predictor of eventual success.
@Jim Good luck brother. I wish you well.