Between determination and desire

13/07/2025 Nilson Lattari

How many times have we decided to pursue something? Everyone wants something, from a lover to a comfortable life without problems. Is there a connection between determination and desire? Maybe yes, maybe no.
First of all, let’s compare determination and desire. They may seem the same at first glance, but we need to consider a few questions.
Determination may mean being resolute, having the intention to reach goals without clear strategies, or being unable to plan or act to achieve those goals. It is like wanting something but having no idea how to get there. It may be just a decision, or a hidden envy of watching others do things that we don’t do by ourselves. We may identify it as willpower, a force that drives people to overcome obstacles and become persistent.
Unfortunately, reality is not always like that.
How often do we see people trying to achieve something that is out of reach? Sometimes willpower means trying to do the impossible. It is not just about doing your best or facing the world as it is. It is a struggle against the impossible. No, willpower alone is not enough to keep someone going. It can be a desire that is impossible to make real.
Is this a bad thing? Yes and no. It is effort without control, and effort without direction is nothing.
Willpower, in this way, can be a weakness, a form of determination that only tries to satisfy ourselves.
And what about desire?
Well, desire is a love for a cause. It is about imagining and setting meaning for goals. Desire works with reality, with possibilities and with belief. We can desire anything, but true desire is for something that can actually be achieved. Obstinate people follow an obsession. Desirous people follow logic and what’s real. People with true desire aim for things within their reach. They don’t depend on willpower alone, but on both willpower and strategy.
Reckless people focus on goals without thinking about the consequences. Brave people have desires. They imagine a goal, and don’t just use determination and experience to reach: they think about the future.
The weak-minded only imagines goals. The strong-minded see themselves already living in the future they are building.