Determination is the wondrous word engraved in the successful persons’ glossary, yet we may find its faint traces at the unsuccessful ones’ and in between there are those who only dream waiting for chances of success that won’t come unless they exert efforts.
Nelson Mandela, the African leader, said “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again”. Determination of this leader made him rise again every time things fall apart or he faces a new challenge. So determination is the companion of all success-seekers. In the path to success, man should concentrate on his goals and seek them with determination. I recall Dale Carnegie’s words “I insist on reaching my goal, I either make it or make it”. There is a hidden power that induces man to reach his goal encouraging him whenever in despair and whispering in his ears to have strength and God’s support would aid him. I can’t forget the words of the reposed H.H Pope Shenouda iii, “When in distress, repeat these phrases ‘ God exists, all happened for your own good and everything will come to an end.'” Indeed a success-seeker should remember that “God exists” and will help him, It’s all for your benefit as “All happens for your own good” and obstacles must come to an end as “everything will come to an end”.
Don’t stop, keep working hard and honestly. You should always reflect on the causes of your past failures in order to change your ways and work smarter. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” Henry Ford. You can learn from his experience that failure is the way you can improve your abilities to overcome obstacles and start over. Remember that success may be one step away, yet you can’t see it out of your despair.
When you insist on repeating your mistakes, you will get nothing but failure; we can call this arrogance. They say man is used to making mistake while the unwise are used to holding onto it. So, you should always evaluate your behaviors and reflect on your ways lest you unconsciously hold onto a mistake. Hereby, I mean by mistakes any negative behavior like, lying, bribing, envying, deceiving or beating around the bush. Negative behaviors may also include, inhuman acts like violence, anger, belittlement of others and defamation…etc
Moreover, insisting on resorting to the same ways that led to past failures is totally unwise. You should re-evaluate your actions in order to achieve success. You may keep trying, but every time you try a new method, you will also learn new lesson that will help you reach your goal.
Determination is a greatest value once it doesn’t turn to arrogance. We can build our country, overcome obstacles and achieve a bright future to our nation if we hold onto determination which is an inherited attribute of Egyptians with which they has written their history valiantly.
Anba Ermiah,
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
