2nd Mindful Monday-Determined

For the second Mindful Monday we chose the word “Determinaiton” You may be asking yourself, “what does the word detrmination mean” or, “how is it mindful”?

Original art by Joni Downey

Determination

To be determined one must want to reach a solution.

Which one of our Characters of Character reflects the word determination? It is Do’er Duck. A child will understand and internalize this character trait and the simplicity in how the character teaches on the word determination/perseverance. When you are determined, you’re persevering to complete the task at hand, to resolve an issue or to reach a goal.

5 Affirmations To Show Determination

1. I AM determined

2. I AM doing my best

3. I AM looking for a solution

4. I AM going to reach my goal

5. I AM not going to give up
   

"There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything." ~Vince Lombardi

Graphic by Jen Downey

Why Is Determination and Perseverance Important?

When you choose to persevere at anything, YOU are determined to complete a task or reach a goal. When we are determined, it allows us to:

• Put our best foot forward and give it our all

• Never give up and to find a solution

• Find the lesson and to grow and learn from the journey

Do’er Duck is one of the nine Characters of Character helping to reinforce and to teach a child to persevere. Discuss with your own children or students what it means to be determined and to persevere at a task, or goal. In life, for me, when I have a passion for something, I am determined to complete it, to learn and grow from it and to challenge my own character. We all know that many tasks or issues are difficult to find solutions to, however, when we don’t quit, the odds are we do find the answer. While the outcome may not be what we had hoped for, knowing that you didn’t throw in the towel or give up shows your determination. That means a lot. My grandma always said to me; “One day at a time” and when you’re young and you want answers quickly, it didn’t resignate with me. Today, I get it whole heartily. Thanks grandma. A life lesson to just put your best foot forward on a daily basis will help you stay determined and to persevere to help reach your goal, your end game or to accomplish what you’ve set out to do.

Graphic by Jen Downey

Characters of Character has many videos to help you reinforce and teach our nine core values. Here is Do’er Duck and Ms. Joni making a paper bag puppet. Here is Ms. Joni and Do’er Duck making a headband. This is a Do’er Duck Resource Book to help you teach this important trait. Here is a story called “Let’s Persevere” starring Do’er Duck.

Graphic by Jen Downey

Graphic by Jen Downey