What Washington Can Teach Us About Determination

The following story is told in the book The Real George Washington:

On Dec. 26, 1776, Washington’s exhausted troops prepared to battle Hessian troops in Trenton, NJ.

The 2,400 men would have to cross the Delaware River, fighting a heavy storm and sub-zero temperatures.

Ice floated down the river, smashing against the boats and threatening to dump the passengers into the river. Washington hoped to have the crossing completed by midnight, but the stormy weather and ice-choked river slowed the movement.

It wasn’t until four in the morning that the army was ready to march. The men then had a 9-mile march ahead of them, traveling on slick, icy roads.

Lowering their heads and pulling their wraps tight against the storm, the men forged ahead. Jagged ice on the road cut through worn-out shoes and threadbare stockings.

The next day, soldiers coming behind could follow their route by the bloodstains in the snow.

As the soldiers marched, a worried report came to Washington that the sleet was wetting their muskets. Washington’s determined reply was, “Use the bayonet. I am resolved to take Trenton.”

The soldiers continued to Trenton where they surprised and beat the large Hessian army, mostly using their bayonets.

This battle was a critical turning point in the war and was instrumental in leading to the colonists’ ultimate victory.

True leaders have clear vision, the will to achieve it, and the ability to motivate others to make it happen.

How badly do you want to achieve your goals? Badly enough to cross your rivers, trudge through your icy winters and fight hand-to-hand until the job is done?

If not, don’t be surprised when you’re overtaken by someone who will.

Examine your enterprises: personal and professional. Where could you benefit to be more like George and his troops?