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“I’ll give it a try,” is the remark often made by those about to attempt some particular endeavor. We have grown up learning how advantageous it is to give something a try. Unfortunately, giving something a try is actually a back door to failure.
When you give something a try, but are unsuccessful, the typical response is, “Well at least I gave it a try.” So trying is used to excuse failure because at least an attempt was made. Success requires accomplishments, not attempts.
In order to succeed, you must say, “I will do it.” This is a statement of determination to do whatever it takes, as many times as it takes, until your goal is reached. Failure only occurs when you give up. Unrelenting persistence invariably leads to success.
Do you know what you really want? How badly do you want it? Determination is linked to the degree of your desire. Determination is essential to reach your destination. A burning desire propels you to overcome the obstacles you will encounter.
Understanding why you want something helps fuel your determination. You must understand, and have a desire for the benefits you will realize when successful. When the benefits are meaningful to you, your motivation is significantly intensified.
Conversely, if you don’t know why you want something, or its attainment holds no value, there is little enthusiasm to attain it. In this situation, if you are pushed, you are likely to just give it a try. Although this halfhearted attempt is likely to fail, you are covered with the defense of, “At least I gave it a try.”
If the consequences of failure are significant, your motivation to succeed is also boosted. However, if there is no significant down side to failure, there isn’t much of a reason to succeed either.
When you decide you will succeed, drive, determination, and discipline are utilized to make it happen. Drive is the force which gets you moving. Drive causes you to break free from the inertia which acts to keep you in the same place.
Determination enables you to keep going in spite of obstacles. It provides the impetus to get back up whenever you stumble or fall. Determination enables you to transform setbacks into comebacks.
Discipline keeps you moving forward even when the going becomes mundane, tedious, or boring. Discipline creates the mental focus needed to avoid distractions in order to stay on track. Discipline gives you the fortitude to do what you need to do so you can maintain forward progress toward your goals.
Proper planning is one of the steps required for accomplishment. Hit or miss attempts based on guessing or misinformation have little chance of success. Knowing the proper sequence of steps required in order to reach a specific destination is essential. Accurate information is obtained by thoroughly researching how others have attained the same goals you are targeting.
Further study of successful people reveals effective strategies they used to solve problems and overcome obstacles. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Learn from others who are where you want to be.
How long it takes to reach your destination is irrelevant. Time goes by regardless of what you are doing. All that matters is your forward momentum. Keep taking one step after another until you are where you want to be.
Never allow negative criticism from others deter you. The success of your life is not dependent on anyone else’s approval. Opinions as to why what you are doing won’t succeed are of no value. All you need is just one reason why you will reach your goals. “I will do it,” is what you should always tell yourself.

Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2014 Bryan Golden

Memorial Services for Gustave James Armond will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville, LA. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m.
Gustave James Armond was born in Morgan City, LA on June 15, 1954 to the late Audrey Scadlock Armond and Edward Joseph Armond Sr. Gustave made a peaceful transition to his heavenly home on Friday, March 30, 2018 at his residence in Abbeville, LA.
Gustave was a Boat Captain for 42 years. Most say that he was the best Boat Captain in the fleet. He loved being in the open sea. He was a great father figure and an even better grandfather. Gustave will be dearly missed by so many that loved him.
Gustave leaves a lasting legacy with his wife of 44 years Selvina Anne St. Marie Armond; three children: Chad Armond, Mandy Ashley and Phillip Armond; siblings Edward Armond, Billy Armond and Russell Armond.
Share your condolences, words of comfort and send memorial gifts to the family of Gustave Armond by visiting www.lafuneralservices.com
Gustave Armond and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory of Broussard (337) 330-8006.

Eugene Thomas Campbell was born in Lafayette, La on June 15, 1946 to the late Mabel Thomas and Julius Campbell Sr. Services will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11:00am at Crosspoint Church in Abbeville,La. Burial will follow in Erath, La at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery following the funeral. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 8:00am until time of services at 11:00am.
Eugene was a native and resident of Abbeville and resided in Erath, La. In the early morning hours of March 30 2018, an angel of the Lord escorted Eugene “Pey Pey” Campbell into the presence of God. Right before that, he was baptized and made peace with God. He cherished watching western movies, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He served his country faithfully in the Marines during the years from 1968-1970.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Betty Green Campbell; his son Eugene Paul Campbell Jr. and Timothy Paul Campbell and his children; his granddaughters Ava Cormier, Christina Hackshaw, Jayla Campbell, LaSabria Campbell, and Ta’corra Stewart; two brothers Robert Campbell, and Rev. Donald Campbell(Shirley) both of Abbeville, La; two sisters Marlene Nuzez and Stella Verret both of Abbeville,La.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mable Thomas; father Julius Campbell; brothers, Rev. Chester Campbell, Leroy Campbell, Julius Campbell Jr., Arthur Campbell, Arose Campbell, and Larry Smith; sisters Mary Alice Thomas, Marion Day, Lillian Williams, Goldie Campbell, Lille Mae Lewis, Margaret Washington, and Charlene Honeycutt.
His Earthly Journey is finished, but his memory lives on.