Determination is the Key to Success

Throughout my life, one phrase has remained my silent anthem: Just watch me.

Time and time again, people have doubted my abilities, questioned my dreams, and underestimated my determination. Yet, instead of letting their doubts about my ability to defeat me, I used them as fuel to press harder, dream bigger, and accomplish my goals. Their negativity wasn't a roadblock — it was a stepping stone.

Achieve your goals

Determination is Strength

One vivid memory that stands out is when I decided to transform my health and fitness. After gaining weight, I committed to working hard to reclaim my wellness. At the gym, I noticed a coach training women for bodybuilding competitions. I thought, I want to do that. When I shared this dream, I was met with discouragement: "It's too hard," "Be careful," "You might look too masculine." But I didn't let their words define me. I stayed consistent, trained diligently, and competed in three competitions, proudly placing in the top five every time. Their doubt only sharpened my focus. My determination was my strength.

Determination and Perseverance

This spirit of determination and perseverance carried into my professional journey. As a second-career nurse, I enrolled in a BSN program when my baby was just four months old. People asked, "Are you sure you can handle nursing school and a new baby?" My response: Just watch me. Hard didn't scare me. I graduated with highest honors, proving to myself and others that determination and perseverance outweigh doubt.

After completing my MSN, I barely paused before setting my sights on a PhD. Once again, I heard the well-intentioned warnings: "You just finished your MSN. Don't rush into another degree." I respectfully ignored the noise. Three years later, I proudly earned my PhD, a testament to my belief in pushing past fear and external skepticism.

Most recently, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, starting my own consulting business. The doubts resurfaced: "What's your business going to be? Are you sure?" Some even laughed. Yet here I am, confidently building MP Insight Solutions, LLC, living out my vision of empowering professionals and organizations through project management, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement.

Find Your Determination

Why am I sharing this with you? Because you will encounter doubters. You will hear "cheap seat feedback," as Brené Brown calls it — unsolicited advice from people who aren't brave enough to be on the field themselves. But remember this: their doubts do not define your destiny.

Instead of internalizing their fear, use it as motivation. Perhaps their skepticism stems from their own unrealized dreams. Perhaps they see in you a courage they wish they had. Either way, you are the one with the bravery to embark on the journey. You are in charge of your story.

So put yourself out there. Be determined. Dream boldly. Chase your goals fiercely. Expect detours, that's part of the journey. But never, ever hand over the pen of your story to someone who isn't living your life. Determination is the key to your success.

When you hear, "Are you sure?" or "That's too hard," smile and say, Just watch me.

Because you are more than capable, you are unstoppable.