We all know how easy it is to follow what everyone else is doing. It takes a strong person to live the kind of life they want, based on his or her own ideals. This type of person shows strength simply by choosing to remain on a path regardless of counter forces and what everyone else is saying.

The fear of these counter forces keeps most of us away from our natural desire to live the kind of life we choose. This fear causes people to not take action rather than face the possibility of failure.

Although we tend to restrict ourselves, we admire those who have the tenacity to face up to these forces in order to live the way they choose. We also admire the character of those who go the extra step of being a living example of their beliefs.

We offer our highest admiration to those who take action and those who demonstrate character. We recognize that it is not only amazing to have knowledge, but it is incredible to veer from the norm and act in a way as to be a living example of one’s beliefs.

Rather than placing these individuals on a pedestal, we should learn to model our lives after their examples. Thomas Edison is one such example – a person who took massive action and held on to his belief that he can invent the world’s first light bulb, regardless of the criticism and ridicule he encountered.

Edison also made a point to clearly demonstrate his determination through an open door policy with the media. He gave the rest of the world a clear picture of his character character.

Edison and his team showed their persistence and determination often throughout the years, especially with the invention of the light bulb. Edison and his team could have given up after a couple attempts, yet they persevered even after several thousand attempts.

Edison could not be discouraged. He rationalized that since he had only found thousands of ways it could not be done, he could only be closer to the right answer. Edison and his team showed character. Their determination pushed aside the counter forces and their diligence was rewarded after thousands of attempts.

Determination such as this should be ours since it is the very substance that promotes action. This, of course, is easier said than done. Recognizing that action is spurred by determination may be a key to a new way of living.

If we believe in something, then the beliefs of others, particularly those who speak of impossibilities, should be ignored. Since we all are able to rationalize that error and potential failure are part of human nature, we should not be afraid of it. We should look at it, like Edison did, as a stepping stone towards getting to our goals.

We should strive to make character our own. This empowering thought is fuel to drive us to success. We have the power to be the best we can be by acting on our dreams. We can learn what we need along the way.