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12 Poems On Determination
Determination is what keeps us moving forward when life becomes difficult. These poems on determination remind us that challenges do not have to stop us. With patience, effort, and a willingness to keep trying, we can overcome obstacles and continue working toward our goals.
There will always be times when things do not go as planned. We may become discouraged or wonder if our efforts are worthwhile. But being determined means taking another step, trying another way, and refusing to give up simply because the road has become difficult.
As you read these inspirational poems, let their words encourage you to believe in yourself and keep going. Like the lessons found in our perseverance poems, they remind us that success often comes to those who are willing to keep trying.
Updated September 5, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Determination We Need
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Without determination,
No goal is complete
Without focus, you will
Find defeat.
Though it's hard and
Can be overwhelming
You must keep going and
Control your feelings.
Determination keeps us on track,
Won't give up even under attack.
Finding ways around
What appears to be a dead end
No one can take away
This drive to succeed
For determination is always
What we need.
Determination
Poet: David V. Bush
I'll plan my work and follow it,
For I'm on victory bent;
For all the strength and will I need,
The gods to me have lent.
I know there's something I can do
In this great world I'm in!
The gods give me a vast desire
To labor and to win.
I see around me many men
Who work in skillful way;
And I affirm God means that I
Shall do as well as they.
Of course there's something I can do.
And do exceeding well;
I'll find that work and follow it,
For naught my soul can quell.
Determined
Poet: John Kendrick Bangs
What I will must surely be;
What I wish for I shall see;
What I'd have must come to me —
If I will and wish aright,
And keep at it day and night
Till at last it heaves in sight,
And, according to my habit,
I've the nerve to go and grab it!
Genius And Power
by Orison Swett Marden
There is genius and power in persistence.
It conquers all opposers;
It gives confidence;
It annihilates obstacles.
Everybody believes in the determined man.
People know that when he undertakes a thing,
The battle is half won,
For his rule is to accomplish whatever he sets out to do.
Be Determined
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Be determined in all you do
To yourself be true.
Don't take the easy way out
Stick to the plan, do not doubt.
Life rewards those who persevere
Stay focused and don't interfere.
Be persistent - don't give in
Over time you will win.
Determination is a key to success
When others question, just express,
"I'm like a dog after a bone
My determination will be shown."
Be known for your tenacity
Keep going, no matter the calamity
Don't be discouraged if you have to face
Slow and steady wins the race.
So be determined in all you do
You will find success coming to you!
Don't Regress
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Determination can conquer true success,
To reach your goals, make sure you don't regress,
Be persistent and do not ever quit,
Embrace life's challenges and success you will hit.
Even when the going gets tough and rough
Keep pushing ahead by faith is enough,
What lies ahead may be difficult to see,
Trust your determination and success will be.
Take each day one step at a time,
Keep moving forward and success will shine!
If you enjoy poems about persistence and staying focused during difficult times, read our Never Give Up Poem.
Determination Analogy
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Through the rock and stone
Sitting all alone
A beautiful flower did grow
Brilliant and very yellow.
No one cleared the stone away
The ground was a mess and in array
But determined to push on through
That little flower it grew.
It faced obstacles in the stone
No one helped, it was all alone
But the flower found a way around
It was determined to come above the ground.
Why can't we be like that flower
And be determined using our mind power
We give up too easily when faced with roadblocks
We say life is hard and full of knocks.
But if determination was our attitude
We would have so much more fortitude
We would find a way
And roadblocks would not sway!
What Makes Success
Poet: Unknown
What makes one man succeed where another fails?
Naturally ability has something to do with it.
Environment may be a help.
But every man who has made his mark
will tell you that the chief factors are energy,
confidence, indefatigable toil, readiness to learn,
a determination which never relaxes its grip.
And if so, why should you not succeed as well as some one else?
What is there out of these qualities that you may not cultivate?
Most of us have ability enough,
if we will add to it the push and hard work and
determination without which talent is helpless.
Many people discover that determination and hard work often lead to achievement, much like the lessons shared in our Success Poems.
The Road Ahead
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
This road ahead may seem long and harsh,
No matter the challenge - big or small,
I must keep my motivation aglow
I will be determined and persevere all.
My goals will be achieved if I endure,
No matter what obstacles cross my way,
Progress may come slowly at times,
But I won't waiver nor demise in dismay.
Determination drives me to success' door,
This is what I have been working for.
Your Determination
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The choices you make,
The things that keep you awake
The willpower you possess
All determine your success.
How strong is your passion
Are you willing to take action?
Is working your intention
Do you want to make an impression?
The most important thing
Is the determination you bring.
Knowledge is good
but determination is like food.
Your determination will decide
If you keep your dreams & goals alive.
Only you can decide
How you feel inside.
Be like the dog after a bone
Be determined even if alone
Your perseverance will succeed
And life will be rewarding indeed!
Advice For Going Forward
Poet: F. M Fradenburgh
The way to learn to do things is to do things.
The way to learn a trade is to work at it.
Success teaches how to succeed.
Begin with the determination to succeed,
And the work is half done already.
Delay wastes time, weakens the will,
Dissipates energy, discourages ambition, and prophesies failure.
Resolve, and do! Do it now!
Decide, and get at it!
To get along in the world and make for yourself a good name,
You can make no dependence upon mere luck.
Pluck must be your hero.
If a chance does come, it will not help you
Unless you are prepared to take it.
Hold to your purpose.
Be not swerved from it.
Keep at it!
Always at it - this accomplishes results.
Determined
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
D eciding what you want to do
E xploring all the avenues
T aking time to set your goals
E xamining the potholes
R ealizing it can be done
M aybe it won't be all fun
I nstead, adjust your attitude
N ever letting go of fortitude
E nthusiasm can overcome
D etermination is awesome!
Short Poems About Determination
Short verses that capture the essence of being determined in a few lines.
Unwavering Pursuit
Through storms and trials, I'll find my way,
With steadfast heart, come what may,
For in each step, my goals unfold,
Determination, fierce and bold.
Resilient Will
In shadows cast, my light will gleam,
A testament to strength unseen,
With every fall, I rise anew,
Determined soul, to dreams pursue.
Inspiration's Flame
When doubt encircles, dark and tight,
I'll kindle hope, ignite the night,
For poems whisper, "Carry on,"
Determination's steadfast song.
Inner Strength
Amidst the trials, I stand tall,
With inner strength to break the fall,
Through every tear, and every scar,
Determined heart, my guiding star.
Key Messages About Determination
-
Determination Helps You Keep Going
These poems remind us that success often comes from continuing forward even when the journey becomes difficult.
-
Obstacles Can Be Overcome
Challenges may slow progress, but determination gives us the strength to find another way forward.
-
Persistence Builds Confidence
When we continue working toward our goals, we develop greater confidence in our abilities and decisions.
-
Small Steps Still Matter
Many of these poems show that steady effort and daily action can eventually lead to success.
-
Attitude Shapes Success
A determined mindset helps us stay focused, hopeful, and motivated even during difficult times.
Popular Pages
Explore more encouraging poems and quotes that inspire perseverance, confidence, and personal growth.
Making wise decisions is part of staying determined, and these Life Choices Poems offer thoughtful encouragement for everyday living.
During difficult seasons in life, these Adversity Poems remind us to stay strong and keep moving forward.
Hard work and dedication often lead to success, and these Poems About Work celebrate persistence and effort.
If you enjoyed these poems, you may also appreciate these uplifting Perseverance Quotes filled with encouragement and wisdom.
These inspiring thoughts on Be The Best You Can Be encourage you to reach your full potential and never stop improving.
Conclusion
We hope these poems have encouraged you to stay determined no matter what challenges you may face. Determination gives us the strength to continue when life becomes difficult and reminds us that success rarely happens without effort and persistence. Every goal achieved often begins with a simple decision to keep going, even when progress feels slow.
As Dan Gable once said, "Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts." Olympic athletes succeed because they remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their goals. In many ways, determination can help all of us overcome obstacles and accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
No matter where you are in life, continue moving forward one step at a time. Stay focused on your goals, believe in your abilities, and remember that determination can help turn challenges into opportunities.
More Inspirational Poems To Inspire
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
Robert Collier