I Believe in Self Determination by Ashlyn Hanson

"I-think-I-can-I-think-I can-I-know-I-can-I-know-I-can-I-knew-I-could-I-knew-I-could!" Many of us are familiar with the story of the small engine who believed he could accomplish something nobody else though he could. This story teaches each of us that hard work and optimism will pay off in every situation we may be faced with in life. When we set our sights on something that may at first seem out of reach, determination within ourselves will get us there. I believe in self determination.

Self determination plays a very important role in each of our lives, because no matter how great our lives seem to be going at certain times, each of us hits a bump in the road at some point. Often times when we meet these obstacles, we feel as if we will never be able to overcome it and that we will be stuck in this low spot forever. However, this is not true. Each of us is more capable of accomplishing tasks than what we may give ourselves credit for. The majority of the time, we are our toughest critic, and the first to jump to putting ourselves down. While this is true, our biggest booster often times lies within us. Where there is a will, there is a way and we will find it!

Many of us may have dreams of where we will go and what we will do in our lifetime. Dreams of traveling the world, becoming an astronaut, or discovering a cure for cancer. Each of us has our hopes but rarely do we believe this will really happen to us. I believe the power of determination within yourself will allow you to go wherever you want in life. It does not matter how outrageous your dreams may seem to others if you are determined, I am confident you will be living out your dreams with a new level of confidence that you may not have known existed inside yourself. After all, the difference between the possible and the impossible lies within a person's determination.

In times where we feel we are staring challenge or defeat in the face, we must pull on our mental body armor and push ourselves forward. We must hold onto confidence in our abilities as we test our willpower. Looking up with optimism and a no quit attitude will ensure our success as determined individuals. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. No matter how great and daunting a task may seem, if we are determined, eventually we will overcome it.

There is a word for someone who just never gives up. Try and fail one thousand times over, they will never stop. Until they reach their goals, they do not rest. One who constantly displays resiliency and is able to look beyond their challenges can easily be described as determined. It has been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step and if you are willing to go the distance, your determination will get you there. I believe in self determination.