Why Quiet Determination Leads to Accomplishing Everything

Photo from j_schreifels on Instagram.

Have you ever met someone who casually drops impressive surprises? I’m talking about the friend who says, “Look. Here’s my license. I got it yesterday.” Or the cousin who invites you to his new two-bedroom apartment instead of his bedroom at his mother’s house. Maybe you’re starting a business, writing a book or beginning a new course. These moves are big, and they’re shocking when people didn’t even know you had them in the making. This is called quiet determination, and you should exercise it more often.

No Crowd, Just Accomplishments

I’m sure you know a person who needs to call a family meeting to announce anything. They’re the type to do a 20-person group chat simply to say, “I’m thinking about starting a business.” At this point, you’ve heard enough of these false proclamations. But like the rest of the family, you outwardly cheer and try not to inwardly sigh. Don’t be that cousin.

When you are about to start a new journey, sometimes people play into your fears. They might say, “You think you can actually do that?” or “You sure that’s what you want to do? You might not be made for that.” These passive aggressive statements can wear on your self-esteem. Making proclamations opens you up to these kinds of covert attacks.

You don’t need a crowd of people, just quiet determination. It shows itself at 3 am when everyone is asleep, but you’re still taking notes. It reveals itself when you go to a training, read a book or otherwise level up. Quiet determination is everything you do to advance when no one else is looking. It’s the blazing fuel of resilience within that keeps you going. Use it.

When to (and not to) Use Quiet Determination

Before we continue, in situations where you’re struggling with mental health, or any health, it is best to talk to someone. That person can be a family member, friend or professional. They can even be someone you don’t know, who’ll allow you to remain anonymous over the phone. These are good outlets to manage issues that might be weighing on you. In times like these, isolation is not ever the answer. There is always someone to talk to, and you should, especially when they can relate.

The above acknowledged, there are other times you might have specific questions about a job you’re trying for or a college you plan on attending. This is where you might find helpful information from people in that work field or college. They can give you valuable insider information that will assist you in your journey. It’s useful to share ideas with them.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to make a million dollars by year’s end, it probably won’t do you any good bouncing ideas off someone who spends money like carnival tickets. The bad spender can’t understand how you will make a million dollars, even if you laid out the blueprint with dates and details. They’re used to spending every dollar they get.

When you think about it, that person hasn’t had more than a few hundred dollars at a time. Why would they think you’ll make a million dollars? They don’t even think they’ll make a million. In fact, they’ve come to accept that they definitely won’t. Your idea will either make them laugh in your face or walk away from it.

As the Bible says, don’t throw your pearls before swine. Quiet determination is needed to maintain your focus, while blocking out bad energy. Think of bad energy like vampires. It can come into your life by invitation only. When you invite people into your plans, you invite any secret envy they might bring. If you keep it between you and yourself, when you pop up in your food truck or with your certificate, it’ll hit that much harder.

The Takeaway

Don’t tell them you’re buying a helicopter. Just land on their front yard (Don’t mention this article if you do, but do send pics 🤣). Everybody doesn’t need to know you’re about to get your certificate. Show them after it comes in the mail or when you print it out. Don’t let too many people in on what you’re doing. They might bring you down. However, do share ideas with those who’ve been there before you. Money can buy many things, but wisdom isn’t one of them.

*if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or anything similar, find someone to speak with by clicking here. There is always help.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human.