Comments on: Regarding Determination

By: Steve Whitehead

Steve Whitehead — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:52:03 +0000

@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.

By: Jim Hoffman

Jim Hoffman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Great outlook. BTW – I’m counting on it.

By: Greg Friese

Greg Friese — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:09:14 +0000

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.

By: Julio

Julio — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:35:01 +0000

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.