Determination – firmness of purpose; resoluteness. Persistence – firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. There is a difference here, yes? Subtle… and yet a difference. Determination and Persistence: Both Are Required for Success Determination is focus on the purpose. Persistence is the continuation of action around that purpose. Both are required for success. Determination brings the clarity of “I have decided,” while persistence describes the action …