You Have To Think So

“You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.” 

-Ralph Marston

If I had to pick one word to describe the key element that will run throughout my posts concerning solving problems, overcoming illness; maintaining successful relationships; attaining success in business, having enough money, whatever, it would be "determination".  In his book Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill referred to it as a burning desire. He said "There is nothing, right or wrong, which belief plus burning desire cannot make real.  These qualities are available to everyone."   

I believe this with all  my heart. 

I remember a story about a man who had been to church one Sunday and the minister happened to be telling the well known story about a sick boy being brought to Jesus and his disciples for healing.  As hard as they tried the disciples could not drive out the demons from the boy, but Jesus rebuked the demon and the boy was healed from that moment.  When the disciples asked why they were unsuccessful driving out the demon Jesus replied "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." 

The man was so impressed with the story he decided to try it.  That night before going to bed he stared out of a window at the mountain in the distance.  He finally said to the mountain "I want you to move from here to there".  He then got into bed,  closed his eyes and went into a sound sleep. Upon awakening he immediately went to his window and seeing the mountain still exactly where it was the night before, he grunted and said out loud, "I didn't think so!"

What was missing from this man's approach to moving the mountain?  Did he believe it was even possible that he could cause the mountain to move just by commanding it to do so?  Did he have a burning desire to move the mountain, or was it just a silly test in which he had absolutely no faith?   Did he have any determination or work hard at putting his mind to the task? I don't think so. 
OK, so this is a ridiculous example to illustrate the point that determination requires work; sometimes a lot of work.  Determination means "putting your mind" to to the task, and that will be our next subject.