Chapter July 14

"'Will,' in this context, transcends mere desire; it's a deep-seated commitment, a burning passion that fuels persistent effort." - 50 Short Essays on Wisdom

In the heart of a bustling metropolis, amidst the cacophony of city life, a young woman named Abigail held onto a dream – to open a bakery that brought the flavors of her grandmother's Armenian recipes to her new community. Born and raised in a small village nestled in the Armenian highlands, Abigail carried the warmth of those memories and the rich scent of freshly baked lavash in her heart. The journey from that tranquil village to the concrete jungle had been arduous, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Yet, within her resided a fierce determination, a 'will' that transcended mere desire. It was a fire that fueled her tireless efforts, a commitment etched deep within her soul.

This 'will,' this unwavering resolve, is more than a fleeting wish or a whimsical fancy. It's a force that propels us forward, a deep-seated conviction that whispers, "You are capable of more." It's the driving energy behind every artist who labors tirelessly to perfect their craft, every athlete who pushes their physical limits, every activist who fights for a cause they believe in. Think of Dr. Maya Angelou, her words resonating with power and resilience, a testament to a life dedicated to breaking barriers and uplifting voices. Or consider the unwavering dedication of Nelson Mandela, his spirit unbroken by decades of imprisonment, his 'will' a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for freedom.

The origins of this inner strength are complex, a blend of psychology and emotion. Our brains are wired for motivation, a drive to seek rewards and avoid discomfort. Yet, true will delves deeper. It taps into our intrinsic motivation – the joy of creation, the satisfaction of mastery, the yearning to make a difference. A carpenter meticulously crafting a piece of furniture, a scientist engrossed in unraveling the mysteries of the universe, a teacher igniting a spark of curiosity in their students – they are all driven by an inner compass, a sense of purpose that fuels their 'will.'

But even the strongest will can falter without a clear direction. A ship without a rudder is at the mercy of the winds and waves. Similarly, our 'will' needs a destination, a goal that anchors our efforts and gives them meaning. This is where the art of goal-setting becomes crucial. A young entrepreneur sketching out a business plan, a musician composing a symphony, a writer crafting a novel – they are all engaging in the process of translating their inner vision into concrete objectives. It's not enough to simply dream of reaching the summit of a mountain; we must chart a course, break down the ascent into manageable stages, and equip ourselves with the tools and skills we need to succeed.

The path towards any worthwhile goal is rarely smooth. There will be moments of doubt, setbacks that test our resolve, and obstacles that seem insurmountable. This is where perseverance comes into play, the ability to keep moving forward even when the road ahead is shrouded in fog. Think of Marie Curie, her groundbreaking research in radioactivity met with skepticism and prejudice, or J.K. Rowling, facing rejection after rejection before finding a publisher for her now-beloved Harry Potter series. Their stories remind us that perseverance is not merely about stubbornness; it's about cultivating a deep-seated belief in our ability to overcome challenges. It's about embracing the lessons learned from failures and using them as stepping stones towards success.

But how do we cultivate this unwavering will, this resilience that allows us to weather life's storms? The answer lies in a combination of practices and perspectives. Mindfulness can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to identify and challenge self-sabotaging patterns. Visualization can transport us to the future, allowing us to experience the joy of achieving our goals and reinforcing our belief in their attainability. Positive self-talk can transform our inner dialogue, replacing doubt and negativity with affirmations of strength and possibility.

Seeking support from others is also crucial. Sharing our aspirations with trusted friends, family, or mentors can provide us with encouragement and accountability. Joining communities of like-minded individuals can create a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Celebrating small victories along the way can boost our confidence and remind us of the progress we've made. And perhaps most importantly, practicing self-compassion allows us to forgive ourselves for inevitable missteps and setbacks. It reminds us that we are all works in progress, and that growth is a journey, not a destination.

In the tapestry of human experience, 'will' is the thread that connects our dreams to reality. It's the driving force behind every act of creation, every triumph over adversity, every step towards a better future. As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the challenges we face. But within each of us lies the potential for extraordinary strength and resilience. The question is not whether we possess the 'will' to achieve our goals; it's whether we are willing to nurture it, to cultivate it, to unleash its transformative power. What whispers within you, calling you towards a life of purpose and fulfillment? What dreams are waiting to be realized, fueled by the fire of your unwavering will?

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9