DETERMINATION is setting a goal and sticking with it even when it seems too difficult.

Action Statements:

• I will identify my goal.
• I will make a plan to reach my goal.
• I will focus my efforts on the goal and avoid distractions.
• I will persevere in reaching my goal in spite of obstacles.
• I will maintain a good attitude regardless of fear, failure or frustration.

Why is DETERMINATION important?

Have you ever heard it said that nothing worthwhile comes easy? There’s a lot of truth to that statement, which is why determination is so important. Achieving goals is not easy. It usually takes a lot of effort and determination to reach them. Even though it isn’t easy, it’s definitely worthwhile. Can you imagine what life would be like without any goals or dreams to pursue? Pretty meaningless! Determination is what gets us through the tough times to reach our dreams and goals.

Family Activities:

1. Create your own obstacle course.

Have your family or some friends try it out. Next, try it blindfolded: tie a scarf or bandana over your eyes and ask someone to guide you through the obstacle course with only their words. How did listening to the advice of others help you get through the course?

2. Plan a Family Night.

Enjoy popcorn and other typical movie snacks while watching a movie. Depending on the ages of your family members, try movies such as Iron Will, The Sand Lot, Pinocchio or The Little Mermaid. Why do people give young Will the nickname “Iron Will”? How does Pinocchio get distracted? What must Ariel sacrifice to obtain her goal? Or watch an action film: how does the main character overcome obstacles? Just about every story features characters who have dreams and work hard or overcome significant obstacles to achieve them. Look for the heroes in any movie you watch. Hint: heroes aren’t always the main characters!

Try These Great Books!

Nonfiction books

Sweet Victory: Lance Armstrong’s Incredible Journey, The Amazing Story of theGreatest Comeback in Sports by Mark Stewart. (Millbrook Press, 2000)
The story of the bicyclist who, having won the battle against cancer, went on to win the world’s most grueling bicycle race, the Tour de France.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman (Krull): A biography of the African American woman who overcame polio to become the first woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.

Young, Black and Determined: A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry by Patricia and Frederick McKissack. (Holiday House, 1998)
This well-written biography brings to life the African American playwright by successfully capturing that unique spark that makes Hansberry noteworthy and interesting.

Jackie’s Nine: Jackie Robinson’s Values to Live by Sharon Robinson. (Scholastic, 2001)
This personal tribute by a daughter to her famous father is meant to inspire your readers. Topics include courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment and excellence.

Fiction books:

Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff (Delacorte Press, 2000)
Set during the Great Hunger of 1845-1852 (Irish Potato Famine) this novel describes the heroic struggles of one girl who refuses to give in to hunger, exhaustion, and hopeless circumstances.

Jason’s Gold by Will Hobbs. (Morrow Junior Books, 1999)
When news of the discovery of gold in Canada’s Yukon in 1897 reaches fifteen-year-old Jason, he embarks on a 5,000-mile journey to strike it rich.

Race the Wind by Chris Platt. (Random House, 2000)
Determined to ride her horse in the Kentucky Derby despite her physical handicap, Katie overcomes great obstacles and even helps a blind girl face her won kind of challenge.

Answers to Who Am I??? game:
A. Lance Armstrong
B. Elvis Presley
C. Susan B. Anthony

Benchmark Brenchpress Answers:
1)A     2)C     3) D     4)B