“Either I will find a way or I will make one.”
This powerful declaration, though its author is unknown, resonates with innovators, leaders, and anyone facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. It’s a statement of pure, unyielding determination. The words refuse to accept defeat as an option. Instead, they present a clear, two-pronged strategy for success: resourcefulness followed by innovation. This mindset transforms challenges from roadblocks into detours, forcing us to think differently and act decisively. It is a philosophy that has echoed through history, inspiring audacious feats and groundbreaking discoveries.
The Dual Path to Success: Finding vs. Making
The quote presents two distinct approaches to problem-solving. Each one is valuable, and knowing when to use them is a key skill. Understanding this duality is the first step toward adopting this powerful mindset as your own.
First, the quote encourages us to “find a way.” This is the path of resourcefulness and research. It involves seeking existing solutions, learning from the experiences of others, and adapting proven methods to your situation. Before reinventing the wheel, we should look for maps, guides, or tools that already exist. This approach saves time and energy. It requires humility and a willingness to learn from the world around you. Many problems have been solved before in some form. Your task is to find that solution and apply it effectively.
However, what happens when no path exists? That is when the second part of the quote becomes critical: “or I will make one.” This is the call to innovation, creativity, and courage. When conventional methods fail and all known routes are blocked, you must forge your own. This path demands a different set of skills. It requires you to experiment, take calculated risks, and build something entirely new. It’s about creating the map, not just reading it. This is where true breakthroughs happen, both personally and professionally.
Embracing a Mindset of Unstoppable Resolve
Adopting this quote’s philosophy means cultivating a specific mental attitude. It is the core of what modern psychology calls a “growth mindset.” Individuals with a growth mindset believe they can develop their abilities through dedication and hard work. They see challenges not as threats but as opportunities to grow. Consequently, this belief fosters incredible resilience. Research consistently shows that people who possess this outlook are more likely to persevere through setbacks and ultimately achieve their long-term goals. Source
This proactive stance directly contrasts with a fixed mindset, where people believe their talents are static gifts. When faced with a barrier, a fixed mindset often leads to giving up. The “find a way or make one” approach, however, fundamentally rejects this limitation. It empowers you to take ownership of your circumstances. Instead of waiting for a solution to appear, you actively seek or create it. This shift in perspective is transformative. It moves you from a passive recipient of fate to an active architect of your destiny.
Echoes of History: Hannibal’s Audacious Journey
While the quote’s origin is officially unknown, many attribute its spirit, if not the exact words, to the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca. In 218 BC, he faced the monumental task of leading his army, complete with war elephants, across the Alps to attack Rome. . His advisors deemed it impossible. The terrain was treacherous, the weather unforgiving, and the route uncharted. Source
Faced with this overwhelming challenge, Hannibal embodied the principle of making a way where none existed. He engineered new paths, built rafts to cross rivers, and overcame every obstacle with sheer force of will and brilliant strategy. His legendary success demonstrates the power of this mindset in action. He did not let the word “impossible” dictate his actions. Instead, he saw the mountain range as a problem to be solved, and he engineered a bold, unprecedented solution.
Putting Determination into Practice
This historical example provides inspiration, but how can we apply this principle in our daily lives? The opportunities are everywhere. In your career, you might face a project with a tight deadline and limited resources. Instead of making excuses, you can find a more efficient workflow or make a new tool to automate a tedious process.
In your personal life, perhaps you want to achieve a fitness goal but find your schedule is too packed. You could find a way by waking up earlier or combining workouts with your commute. Alternatively, you could make a way by creating a unique home workout plan that fits into small pockets of free time. The principle remains the same: identify the obstacle, then apply resourcefulness or innovation to overcome it. This proactive approach builds momentum and self-confidence, making each subsequent challenge easier to tackle.