Symbols of determination can help you work on your grit and will. Utilizing determination and willpower symbols is a great way to give yourself the boost you need to stay focused and accomplish your goals.
What is Determination?
Determination is the act of coming to a decision. However, the term “determination” is often used in place of the term “willpower.”
Willpower is control of oneself and restraining impulses. It is used to stay focused, achieve goals, and resist short-term gratification in place of long-term objectives.
The Latin word dēterminatiō can translate int “end result,” which explains why determination is such a goal-oriented word. It is also a good reason to use symbols of determination to help harness its power.
Which Color Symbolizes Determination?
Red is the color of determination. It represents power, strength, and passion no matter what one may face. Surrounding yourself with red can make you feel stronger and more determined though cooler colors may make you feel more relaxed.
Flowers That Symbolize Determination
- Lotus – a flower of determination and rebirth
- Gladiolus – represents the gladiator’s will
- Columbine – a symbol of strength and grit
- Geranium – flowers that represent trustworthiness and willpower
- Red Carnation – the carnation of grit and commitment
Crystals That Symbolize Determination
- Black Tourmaline – a crystal that helps you stay focused on tasks
- Malachite – helps you with a determination regarding new things
- Pyrite – a warrior stone for willpower
- Tiger’s Eye – gives you the focus of a tiger
- Selenite – a charging and cleansing stone that helps with mental blocks
Tree That Symbolizes Determination
The oak tree symbolizes determination. It is a strong tree that stands for wisdom, endurance, and strength.
Ancient soldiers often used the oak tree for inspiration, believing that if they could harness that determination, they would be unstoppable.
Animal Determination Symbols
- Turtle – though slow, turtles are strong and have extensive tenacity
- Horse – hardworking animals that can do a variety of jobs
- Salmon – they swim against the current
- Eagle – a bird that symbolizes strength, freedom, and determination
- Beaver – determination to work hard, have teamwork, and never give up
- Badger – represents tenacity even when odds are stacked against you
- Penguin – they will do anything to survive and help their families thrive
Symbols of Determination in Different Cultures
Christian
In Christianity, determination is about staying focused. Fixing your eyes on God and your goals is mentioned in Proverbs 4:25, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”
Buddhist
In Buddhism, one of Buddha’s paramis is unshakable determination. This determination is called Adhiṭṭhāna, and it has the ability to lead to enlightenment. A closely related Perfection in Buddhism is dhyāna, which translates to concentration.
Greek
Stoicism is a Greek philosophy surrounding the ability to withstand hardships. It regards the ability to control your thoughts and emotions rather than being controlled by them. Stoicism has been around 300 BC and is still practiced today.
Japan
In Japan, the word Ganbaru is a term used to describe tenacity through tough times. It means to do your best no matter what situation you face. Ganbaru is a good example of how traditional Japanese view the importance of determination.
Determination Symbolism in Literature
Determination is used in literature to show the willpower of protagonists. A good example of this is in children’s literature via the book The Little Engine That Could. The premise of the book is that when a large train refuses to do its job, a young engine volunteers.
The story has been retold many times, and each time, the small train succeeds because it believes that it can. This is one of the simplest literary portrayals of the power of determination.
12 Symbols of Determination
1. Axe
An axe is a symbol of determination. It can cut through almost anything, but it takes work to do so. It was even wielded by Odin, who named his axe Gungir.
2. Demeter
Demeter is a Greek goddess of determination. She worked tirelessly to find her daughter Persephone before eventually being reunited, showing us that hard work can pay off.
3. Chinese Dragon
The Chinese dragon represents power and determination. This symbolism dates back to 5000 years ago when it was a benevolent creature in folklore that blessed others, which contrasts the Western dragon, who is greedy and violent.
4. Atlas
Atlas is a Greek god of strength and endurance. He is the one that was tasked with keeping the heavens and earth separate. He was made to hold the world on his shoulders after leading a rebellion against Zeus.
5. Hei Matau
Hei Matau is a Maori symbol of willpower. The symbol is a fish hook that is used as a survival tool. But it can also represent the power to catch anything that stands in our way.
6. Dara Knot
The Dara Knot is a Celtic symbol for determination. It is meant to be an oak tree’s roots, strongly connected to all that is around it. The symbol can give us strength and determination through difficult times.
7. Fist
A fist raised rather than forward represents determination. This isn’t a fist ready to fight but a fist that will not bend to the will of others.
8. Phoenix
The phoenix is a symbol of determination because it can rise from the ashes. This symbolizes the ability to not give up in the face of adversity.
9. Bullseye
Bullseye, especially with an arrow, represents attention to detail, determination, and strategy. It shows how determination can lead to precision and the focus it takes to get there.
10. Water
Water is an element of determination. It is constant and steadfast, being one of the strongest and deadliest forces on earth. It spends thousands of years breaking through barriers and never giving up until it has accomplished its task.
11. Kujichaguila
Kujichaguila is an African symbol of determination and celebration. The symbol represents the fight against discrimination, which takes determination.
12. Taurus
Taurus is an astrological sign represented by a bull. Bulls are symbols of determination. Those born under Taurus are likely to have determination in life, a great gift from the stars.