Your will is a very powerful force. If you are really determined to achieve something, your willpower will overcome all obstacles. We have all heard of people who have overcome great problems because they were determined not to be defeated. I would like to describe a few examples that I have encountered.
The will to live is the most powerful instinct. Until we are in danger of losing our lives, we hardly know that it exists. A woman I know discovered that she had cancer. She wasn't old , she enjoyed her life and wasn't ready to give it up easily. She went to a special hospital for cancer treatment where she was put on a strict vegetarian diet and given radiation therapy. She followed her doctor's instructions and whenever I met her she was cheerful . She never let the disease get her down. After some months, she began to gain in strength until finally she was completely cured.
I remember the case of a Royal Air Force pilot who lost both of his legs in combat in Second World War. To most people, it would have seemed a hopeless situation., but this man was determined to walk and fly again. He had to wear artificial legs and had trouble learning how to walk with them. Gradually, with the help of medical staff and his friends, he learnt to walk by himself and one day he was able to fly again. His dream had come true.
Dreams and desires can therefore be powerful incentives for our will to succeed. The will needs inspiration or an objective to aim for. The desire to be successful in your career is a good example.
A friend of mine had always wanted to be a doctor. However, he came from a very poor family who were not able to support his medical studies. My friend did not let this discourage him and for five years he studied hard at university during the day and worked as a waiter at night. He must have been exhausted but he never complained. He knew that he was working towards his goal.
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