What if…it took 18 years to achieve your desired outcome?
Consider Betty Anne Waters’ story; her brother Kenny was arrested for murder and sentenced to life. This Massachusetts’ wife and mother of two is convinced of her brother’s innocence. She does not have a high school diploma.
Having exhausted the public defender route, she makes a commitment. Watch and listen as she speaks to her brother in this 1 minute clip:
No matter how long it takes, this is what I’m gonna do…
What does it take to achieve a desired outcome?
- Big Why: to prove her brother’s innocence and get him out of prison
- Mission: her brother’s exoneration
- Clear Goals:
- Get her “stupid” GED
- Put herself through college, get her BA
- Apply for Law School
- Pass the State Bar
- Become Kenny’s attorney
How does Bette Anne Waters overcome the resistance, some pretty significant obstacles? Such as…
- Her lack of education
- Her lack of finances
- Her lack of family support
- Her very long road
- Her suicidal brother, who is in prison
In addition to a big why and a clear purpose what does it take to overcome the opposition?
A Depth of Determination
Having watched the inspirational true story, CONVICTION, I continue to reflect on her story and mine. What does it take to push through the resistance to accomplish the desired outcome…?
Determination.
Determination is a character quality that gives us the ability to be firm and fixed regarding our intentions. It supports a course of action. The character quality determination is defined by Character First as:
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.
What if this character quality is missing? Can you imagine 18 years to see it through?
Determination Requires Support
Betty Anne’s unwavering devotion to her brother, fueled by her belief in his innocence is not supported by her family. A big mission requires determination and determination requires support.
A big mission is met with naysayers. So to accomplish something significant in life we secure a strong support system. People who are present with their head, heart, and hands. Abra Rice becomes that support for Betty Anne.
Abra is the same age when they land in the same law class at the University, a room filled with 20 somethings. Betty Anne and Abra finish law school and take the bar examine together; then, they work Kenny’s case.
“This is what I’m gonna do, and after that…”
With those words, Betty Anne pursued her mission for 18 years.
This true story challenges me; how about you?
I’m re-visiting my story using these questions…care to join me?
- What’s my big Why?
- What is my mission…?
- What are my clearly defined goals?
- How determined am I to push through the resistance?
- Who is in my support system for encouragement?
What if…it took 18 years to achieve your desired outcome?
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