Determination

This is the capacity to maintain concentration on a job or objective in the face of challenges, failures, or impediments.

Determination as a personality trait. It calls for a strong feeling of drive, tenacity, and resilience.

Characteristics of determination is the ability to put in a lot of effort, endure in the face of difficulties, and to have a positive outlook in the face of difficulty.

Determined people are more likely to succeed in reaching their objectives and overcoming challenges that would otherwise demotivate them.

They are prepared to invest the time and effort necessary to accomplish their goals because they have a strong belief in their capacity to succeed.

Determination is a great tool in achieving success at what we do. However, we must note that success cannot be defined for you as it is not a destination.

Determination is capable of changing the tune of any game as it is a game changer. It brings a twist when it meets a wall by either climbing over it, breaking through the wall or going around it

As a child in primary school, we had a popular morning assembly song we sang which we sing it while matching to our classroom. It is as follows;
Determination is our motto
Determination
De-ter-mi-nation.

Determination as a tool in the hands of a Female Lawyer

Determination is a valuable tool in the hands of any lawyer, regardless of their gender. However, given the historical and ongoing challenges that women face in the legal profession, determination can be especially important for female lawyers.

Female lawyers often encounter obstacles such as gender bias, pay inequity, and a lack of representation in leadership positions amongst others. These challenges can make it difficult for women to advance in their careers and achieve professional success.

In this circumstances that precedes female lawyers, determination can help the female lawyers overcome these obstacles and achieve their goals.

A determined female lawyer is someone who must persistent, be focused, and resilient. She must be willing to work hard and take on difficult challenges, even in the face of adversity.

With determination, a female lawyer can overcome gender bias and prove her worth in a male-dominated profession. She can fight for pay equity and demand the recognition and compensation she deserves. She can also become a role model for other women in the legal profession and inspire them to pursue their own dreams and goals.

In short, determination is the powerful tool for any female lawyer who dares to engage in helping her to overcome obstacles, achieve her goals, and make a positive impact in the legal profession.

Determination and Positive mindset

Although the two are connected, being determined and having a positive attitude are distinct concepts. A mindset of perseverance, focus, and resilience in the pursuit of a goal, especially in the face of challenges or setbacks, is referred to as determination. It entails a readiness to put in a lot of effort and give up something in order to get what you want.

An cheerful, upbeat, and constructive general approach or temperament is referred to as having a positive attitude. It entails seeking out the positive in circumstances, concentrating on solutions rather than issues, and confronting difficulties with an attitude of potential and opportunity.

Determination and optimism aren’t the same things, but they are undoubtedly connected. Someone who is adamant about achieving a goal is

likely to have a positive attitude, because they believe that their efforts will be rewarded and that they can overcome obstacles along the way.

Similarly, a person with a positive attitude is likely to be more determined in the pursuit of their goals, because they see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

In short, determination and a positive attitude are both important characteristics for achieving success and overcoming obstacles. While they are not the same thing, they are complementary and can reinforce each other in the pursuit of a goal

Determination is to have a positive attitude towards achieving a difficult goal. It is to make up ones mind to do a thing and consciously make efforts or take practical steps to getting it done. It is staying focussed on a goal.

How does the word Determination relates to us as Female Lawyers?

As female lawyers one of our core values ought to be Determination, knowing the nature and rigours of the practice of Law are not meant for jokers, but for serious business minded people.

Considering the general perception by people on female lawyers that they are not serious which obviously is fallacious playing by the rules of hasty generalization in logic.

The constant comparison with our male counterpart which sometimes could lead one to being depressed.

Another factor that calls for one to be determined is TIME.

Time we say waits for no one. So we must trade wisely with our time. We must learn to know and observe what is needed from us per time. Good time management can build pillars, thus giving a structure to hold the future in place.

We will be deceiving ourselves, if we say we are determined without a vision. What we will be doing is building castles on air contrary to Macfoy v UAC, 3 All ER 1169 at 1172 (1961) which states “You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stay there. It will collapse…”

What to do?
If we must be determined as female lawyers;
1) we must set out our goal or goals with realistic time for executing them.
2) We must consciously start by talking baby steps till we are able to leap with giant strides.
3) We must be careful and learn to take hints when counselled to so do.
4) We must be willing to let go of burdens not needed at the top floor so they don’t hold us down as weight.
5) We must encourage ourself when we find yourself at a cross road.
6) We must know when to ask relevant question, press onwards and forward.

See you at the top of the legal ladder where you find yourself.

A. O. HARRISON (Mrs.)