I saw it sitting on an evergreen branch outside my window as Saturday morning sunrise lit up the freshly fallen snow like a carpet strewn with sparkling jewels.

He seemed so small and alone, a silhouette against the dazzling eastern sky. As the sun rose I could see that it was a small snowbird, obviously apart from its mates, who usually gather and play in groups. Joyfully, they flutter over the snow, find bits of grain, and huddle together for warmth.

Seeing him brought back memories of a time when I felt very small and alone…

It was my first college year of clinical practice as a therapist student. I had to write and deliver reports

in every patient I worked with at the university clinic.

As kids, we often shut down when a teacher returned our reports with some big red marks pointing out our mistakes. However, Dr. Wilson, a man I will always remember and admire, returned my clinical reports. He gave my first reports so many red marks that it looked like he had measles!

One day, he said, “To write well, you need to read a lot and write a lot, and when you see these red marks, you should know that they are there because I believe in you. You won’t need to make these mistakes.” again. Just pay attention to them!”

I started paying attention to each mistake, one by one, and one by one, the red marks were decreasing. This experience strengthened my resolve and strengthened my courage in what I could achieve.

How can we keep our resolve strong on every path of achievement we walk? Here are some valuable ideas to think about…

1. Think purposefully; Keep your heart and mind focused on the ultimate goal you want to achieve.

2. Take three valuable actions suggested by Paul J. Meyer, who wrote: “Build your resolve with sustained effort, controlled attention, and concentrated energy.”

3. Remember the wisdom of an Indian proverb that says: “Life is not a continuum of pleasant choices, but of inevitable problems that require strength, determination and hard work.” Use obstacles as learning tools and stepping stones to achieve what you envision.

4. Choose your ideal path based on your values, make a firm commitment to excellence and take

responsibility for your choices.

5. Above all, realize that the Creator gave you some very special gifts that no one else can use exactly the way you can. If you haven’t discovered those gifts, take a close look at the activities that seem to light a fire in your soul. You will be very close to some amazing discoveries…

…My little friend waited on the evergreen branch for a while. Soon several more snowbirds landed at the base of the tree. He happily joined them and they went off to enjoy the morning.

That reminds me of a sixth key to developing and maintaining determination: patience in all things.

Do what you can now, even if you have to wait for your efforts to pay off. Then bring your thoughts back to your purpose, and you will attract many others like “feathers” to help guide you along the way!