Sometimes, the hardest part of reaching a goal is not knowing what to do. It is finding a way to do it when the process feels frustrating, complicated, or overwhelming.
In this video, Adeline shares three important tasks she needs to complete for her education. These include contacting the Department of Rehabilitation, getting help signing up for an upcoming class before the deadline, and making sure she has the information, books, and tools she needs to participate.
For Adeline, these tasks require tenacity because they involve more than simply checking something off a list. She experiences memory difficulties and relies on her caregiver to help her manage certain responsibilities.
Her experience reminds us that being tenacious does not mean doing everything alone. It means staying committed to what matters, finding practical ways to move forward, and asking for support when we need it.
πͺ 1. What Does It Mean to Take Tenacious Action?
Tenacity means continuing to work toward something important, even when obstacles make the process difficult.
A tenacious action is a specific step that requires effort, persistence, or courage. It might involve making a phone call, completing an application, asking for an accommodation, or following up on something that has not been resolved.
These actions may seem ordinary to someone else, but they can require significant energy and planning, especially when dealing with memory challenges, complicated systems, or multiple responsibilities.
For Adeline, contacting the Department of Rehabilitation is one of these actions. She needs to confirm that the department will pay directly for an upcoming class and arrange reimbursement for a previous class and the materials she purchased.
This requires persistence because she may spend time on hold or need to leave voicemail messages and follow up.
Tenacity is not about making a difficult task look easy. It is about finding a way to keep moving forward when it is difficult.
π 2. Break Complicated Responsibilities Into Specific Tasks
Adeline identifies three priorities related to her upcoming class:
- Contact the Department of Rehabilitation. Confirm payment arrangements for the upcoming class and follow up on reimbursement for the previous class and purchased materials.
- Complete class registration. Work with her caregiver to sign up before the deadline.
- Prepare for the class. Find out how to sign in, which books are required, and what software she needs. She also needs to communicate with her professor about recording and note-taking arrangements.
Instead of treating all of these responsibilities as one enormous problem, she identifies each one separately.
This approach makes it easier to understand what needs to happen and where to begin.
You can use the same strategy for your own goals. If you need to return to school, apply for a job, manage an appointment, or complete paperwork, write down the individual tasks involved.
For example, preparing for a class might include checking the registration deadline, gathering the required documents, confirming payment, and arranging the tools you need to participate.
When you know exactly what needs to happen, it becomes easier to decide on your next step.
π§ 3. Recognize Your Challenges and Plan Around Them
Adeline explains that her memory difficulties make it hard for her to manage certain phone calls independently. She works with her caregiver because she needs assistance remembering information and navigating the process.
Her experience highlights an important lesson: a difficult task is not always a motivation problem. Sometimes, it requires additional support or a different approach.
After a brain injury, some everyday responsibilities may require more planning, reminders, or assistance than they did before. Phone calls, deadlines, paperwork, and conversations involving lots of information can become especially demanding.
Rather than blaming yourself for finding something difficult, try identifying the specific obstacle.
Ask yourself:
π§ Is it difficult to remember the details?
ποΈ Do I need help organizing the steps?
π Am I unsure whom to contact?
π Would a written checklist or reminder help?
π€ Could someone assist me with the process?
Once you understand the challenge, you can look for a practical solution.
You might write down questions before making a call, keep a record of the conversation, use a calendar reminder, or ask someone you trust to help you follow through.
Adapting a task to your needs is a useful strategy, not a sign of weakness.
π€ 4. Let Support Be Part of Your Plan
One of the most important parts of Adeline’s example is that she recognizes when she needs help.
Her caregiver helps her manage responsibilities that are difficult to complete alone. This support allows her to continue working toward her educational goals.
Sometimes, we think being determined means handling everything independently. However, independence can also mean recognizing what support we need and learning how to use it effectively.
Depending on your circumstances, support might come from a caregiver, family member, friend, rehabilitation professional, teacher, or workplace contact.
You can make asking for help more manageable by being specific about what you need.
For example:
π βCan you help me call the department and write down the answers?β
π βCan we review the registration deadline together?β
π βCan you help me make a checklist of the materials I need?β
π βCan you help me prepare questions for my professor?β
Clear requests make it easier for another person to understand how they can assist you.
You do not have to carry every responsibility alone to demonstrate determination.
π 5. Find Tools That Help You Learn and Remember
Adeline also describes a note-taking tool that records class audio, transcribes the information, and organizes it into a format that is easier for her to read. She mentions features such as larger fonts and emojis.
She explains that classes can move too quickly for her to write everything down, and she worries about forgetting information. The tool helps her access and review the material in a way that better suits her needs.
This is a reminder that the right tools can help people work around specific challenges.
Depending on your situation, helpful tools might include:
π Digital calendars and reminders.
βοΈ Written checklists.
ποΈ Speech-to-text software.
π§ Audio notes, where permitted.
π Accessible documents with larger fonts.
π Note-taking or transcription tools.
π€ Assistance from a caregiver or learning support professional.
If you are planning to record a class, make sure you receive the instructor’s permission and follow the school’s policies and applicable privacy requirements. You can also ask whether approved note-taking or accessibility accommodations are available.
The best tool is one that addresses your needs and fits your circumstances. You do not have to use every available option. Start with what would make your next task easier.
π― 6. Turn Tenacity Into a Practical Action Plan
You can apply Adeline’s approach to a goal you have been postponing.
Start by choosing one goal that matters to you. Then identify the individual actions required to make progress.
For each action, consider these five questions:
What needs to happen? Write down one specific task.
Why does it matter? Connect the task to something important in your life.
What makes it difficult? Identify the obstacle instead of judging yourself for struggling.
What support or tools could help? Consider assistance, reminders, checklists, or accessible technology.
What is my next step? Choose one realistic action you can begin working on.
For example, if your goal is to prepare for an upcoming class, your first step might be to check the registration deadline. Your next step could be contacting the school, confirming the required materials, or asking someone to help you organize the information.
You do not have to complete every step in one sitting.
If a task is too overwhelming, break it into smaller parts. If you encounter an obstacle, adjust your approach. If you need help, include that support in your plan from the beginning.
Being tenacious does not mean pushing yourself past every limit. It means continuing to work toward what matters while respecting your needs and circumstances.
π Love Love Brain Thoughts
Adeline’s story shows us that meaningful progress often involves several small but important actions. A phone call, a registration deadline, or a conversation with a professor can represent a major effort when the process involves memory challenges, frustration, or the need for assistance.
For people living with a brain injury, the path toward education, employment, or personal goals may look different than expected. Some tasks may take longer. Others may require tools, accommodations, or another person’s help.
That does not make the goal any less worthwhile.
Tenacity is not about proving that you can do everything without assistance. It is about recognizing what matters to you and finding realistic ways to keep moving toward it.
If you have been putting off a difficult task, choose one small action you can take today. Write down what needs to happen, identify what could get in the way, and decide what support might help.
You do not need to have the entire process figured out before you begin.
Be tenacious about your goals, flexible about your methods, and compassionate toward yourself along the way. π
π¬ We’d Love to Hear From You
What is one difficult task you are working toward right now?
Is there a tool, strategy, or person who helps you follow through when something feels overwhelming?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Your experience may help someone else find a way forward, too.
π₯ Watch the Video
Watch Adeline share the tenacious actions she is taking to prepare for her upcoming class, manage rehabilitation-related responsibilities, and find tools that support her learning.
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Note: Every brain injury is different. This content is for education and support, not medical advice.


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