There’s a significant difference between those who merely exist and those who move forward in life.

The difference boils down to determination. Those who just breeze through life often find themselves stuck in the same place, while those with a strong will and determination always seem to inch forward, no matter the situation.

As someone who has spent a lot of time studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve come to understand that determination is not just a trait but a way of life. It’s about the habits you cultivate.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 10 habits of highly determined individuals. These are the people who, regardless of what life throws at them, always find a way to move forward.

Let’s get started. 

1) Embrace mindfulness

Determined individuals understand the power of the present moment. They realize that life isn’t a race, but a journey to be experienced moment by moment.

You see, mindfulness is a practice that keeps us rooted in the present. It’s about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without judgment.

Consider this. When we’re stuck in the past or anxious about the future, we’re not fully present. We’re not able to make the best decisions or take purposeful action.

On the contrary, determined folks harness the power of mindfulness to stay focused on their goals. They are fully engaged in their tasks, making them more effective and efficient.

Moreover, by practicing mindfulness, they are better equipped to handle stress and setbacks. They don’t allow temporary obstacles to derail their progress but use them as stepping stones towards their goals.

Simply put, mindfulness is a secret weapon of determined people. They use it to navigate through life with grace and resilience, always moving forward, one mindful step at a time.

2) Cultivate a positive mindset

Being a mindfulness enthusiast myself, I can’t stress enough the importance of a positive mindset.

You see, determined people don’t just rely on their physical strength or intellectual prowess. They understand that their attitude plays a crucial role in their journey.

Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh, once said, “Because you are alive, everything is possible.” This quote encapsulates the mindset of the determined.

They believe in possibilities. They stay positive even when things get tough. They look at challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as roadblocks.

We all face difficulties in life. But it’s our attitude towards these difficulties that determine how we move forward.

3) Practice ego minimization

One thing I’ve noticed about truly determined individuals is their ability to keep their egos in check. They understand that life isn’t about proving oneself, but about improving oneself.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the Buddhist concept of ego minimization.

It’s a practice that allows us to separate our self-worth from our achievements or failures. It frees us from the need for external validation and helps us focus on our personal growth.

When we let go of our ego, we become more open to learning from our mistakes. We become humble and more accepting of others’ ideas and perspectives. This, in turn, fosters personal growth and pushes us forward in life.

If you’re looking to move forward in life, I highly recommend checking out my book. It provides valuable insights into how you can live with maximum impact while keeping your ego at a minimum.

Determination isn’t about proving how great you are, but about becoming the best version of yourself. And that requires a bit of ego minimization.

4) Set realistic goals

To keep moving forward in life, determined people know the importance of setting realistic goals.

There’s a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

Determined individuals don’t just wish for things to happen; they plan for them. They set achievable goals and then break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the journey towards achieving these goals less overwhelming and more doable.

For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, you don’t just get up one day and run 26.2 miles. You start small, perhaps with a mile or two. Then you gradually increase your distance over time until you’re able to run the full marathon.

The same principle applies to any goal in life. Be it career-related, personal development, or even a simple daily task.

If you want to keep moving forward, start setting realistic goals. Break them down into smaller tasks and start working on them one step at a time.

Every big achievement starts with a small step. So don’t be afraid to start small. Just keep moving forward, no matter how slow your progress may seem.

5) Understand your core values

One of the things that has helped me move forward in life is understanding my core values.

These are the guiding principles that dictate our behavior and action. They help us determine what’s important to us, what we stand for, and how we want to live our lives.

Determined people always have a clear understanding of their core values. They align their actions with their values, ensuring that they live authentic lives true to themselves.

Life Transition Coach, Jeanette Brown, has an excellent Defining Your Values Exercise that can help you identify your core values. I’ve personally found it very useful.

Understanding your core values can give you clarity and direction in life. It can empower you to make decisions that are in line with who you really are and what you truly want.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next move, I highly recommend trying out Jeanette’s exercise. It may just be the key to propelling you forward in life.

Remember, to keep moving forward, you need to know what you’re moving towards. And understanding your core values can provide that essential direction.

6) Embrace change

Determined people understand that change is a part of life. In fact, they embrace it.

Life is dynamic, not static. Situations change, people change, and we ourselves evolve over time. Trying to resist or fight against these changes can leave us feeling stuck and frustrated.

But when we embrace change, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences. We learn to adapt, grow and keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at us.

So how can you practice embracing change?

Start small. Try changing your routine in little ways – maybe take a different route to work, try a new food joint, or even rearrange your furniture at home. These small changes can help you become more adaptable and comfortable with bigger life changes.

Change isn’t something to fear but an opportunity for growth. Embrace it and watch yourself move forward in ways you never thought possible.

7) Practice mindful acceptance

In my journey of exploring mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned the power of acceptance.

Determined people understand that not everything in life goes as planned. There are times when things go wrong, when we fail, or when circumstances are simply beyond our control.

In such situations, they practice mindful acceptance. They acknowledge their feelings and the reality of the situation without judgement or resistance.

Mindful acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or being passive. It means recognizing what we can’t change and focusing our efforts on what we can. It’s about letting go of resistance and moving forward with greater ease and less stress.

For instance, if you’ve had a bad day, instead of dwelling on it, acknowledge it. Accept that you’ve had a bad day and then let it go. Don’t let one bad day ruin your progress or deter you from your goals.

Life is full of ups and downs. But with mindful acceptance, we can navigate through them with grace and resilience, always moving forward.

8) Maintain a learning mindset

Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”

Determined people live by this philosophy. They have a learning mindset, always seeking new knowledge and experiences.

They understand that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. They are not afraid to ask questions, seek help, or admit they don’t know something.

Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, they see them as opportunities to learn and improve. This mindset allows them to turn setbacks into comebacks, always moving forward.

9) Take time for rest

This might seem counterintuitive, but one of the habits of highly determined people is that they know when to rest.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take a breather. But I’ve learned first-hand that continuous work without rest can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

Determined people understand this. They know that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustained productivity and progress.

They make it a point to take breaks, relax, and recharge. It could be as simple as taking a short walk, reading a book, meditating, or even taking a power nap.

By giving themselves time to rest, they’re able to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, maintain their focus, and approach their tasks with renewed energy.

10) Celebrate small wins

Lastly, determined people understand the importance of celebrating small wins.

In our quest to achieve big goals, it’s easy to overlook the small victories along the way. But these small wins are important milestones that indicate progress.

Determined individuals make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate these victories. It could be as simple as completing a task on time, learning a new skill, or even making a difficult decision.

Celebrating small wins boosts our motivation and confidence. It reminds us of our capabilities and propels us to keep moving forward.

So start recognizing your small victories. Give yourself a pat on the back for your efforts. Remember, every win, no matter how small, is a step forward in your journey. Celebrate it!

Conclusion

Moving forward in life is not about speed, but about direction and resilience. It’s about cultivating habits that encourage growth, resilience, and progress.

From embracing mindfulness and maintaining a positive mindset to understanding your core values and celebrating small wins, each of these habits can set you on a path towards continuous forward motion.

I encourage you to start practicing these habits in your daily life. And remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Even small steps can lead to big changes over time.

If you’re unsure where to start, I highly recommend trying out Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a practical tool that can help you gain clarity on your core values and guide your journey forward.

Here’s to moving forward in life with determination and grace!