Its meaning:
“Where there’s a will there’s a way” is a saying celebrating human will power. This proverb means that if we are determined to do something, we will get it done. This will be the case even if it is challenging, difficult, or seemingly impossible.
The famous saying highlights the ‘importance of willpower or strong determination in life’. This phrase is a testament to the power of the will and a prompt to know what it is that we truly want. If we really want to succeed in our life, then we will surely find a way to achieve it.
It means that ‘a person of strong will faces the problems of life resolutely and finds a solution to them’. If we make a sincere attempt and fail, there is nothing to regret. We may fail once or twice, but if we work hard and with determination, we will be successful in the end.
On the other hand, a man of weak will is frightened by the odds of life, does not pursue the object of his life, and achieves nothing.
If a person has a persistent desire and firm intent to do something, he will be able to develop strategies to achieve his aim by discovering the right methods, procedures and techniques. So, where there’s a will there’s a way can be translated as:
- If we want something enough we will get it.
- If we are determined, we will find a solution.
Different version of the same proverb:
This phrase can be traced back to a proverb that seems to have arisen in around 1640. The proverb had a slightly different formulation, e.g. ‘to him that wills, ways are not wanting‘. However, this means exactly the same thing as ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’ because it literally means: if someone has a strong enough will, they will not lack (or ‘want’) ways to achieve the things that they want to do.
Why this maxim is so popular?
This maxim is probably so memorable because of its two ‘w’ sounds. Alliteration is often used in proverbs to help them stick in the mind.
Explanation
This phrase, “where there’s a will there’s a way”, can be taken as a motivational one. It indicates that even if something seems impossible to do, we can make it possible if we stay focused and if we want to achieve it enough.
“Impossible”, said Napoleon, “is a word to be found in the dictionary of fools”. The words of Napoleon mean that we can conquer all difficulties of life if we have strong will and resolute purpose.
Also read: Essay on Willpower
Setting goals is easy, but the one who keeps his resolution and remain steady with his plans, is the one who achieves the most. A scholar devotes his days and nights to his studies and attains deep scholarship. Gautama Buddha renounced the world to find out the cause of pain find misery. After years of suffering and meditation, he discovered wisdom.
Also read: Slow and Steady Wins the Race – Meaning and Explanation
There are many instances on record to show that willpower is almost always crowned with success. Demosthenes had a weak voice; his gestures were very awkward; and he was a stammered. But in spite of all these handicaps, he became the greatest orator that the world has ever known. He overcame all his difficulties with diligence and determination.
Thus, a person of strong willpower always display strength in his character. He lives his life with a purpose. He faces obstacles with strong determination and achieve great success in life.
Conclusion
“Where there’s a will there’s a way” is a message of hope and encouragement. Perseverance leads to success. Most of us are endowed with a fair share of intelligence, and all that is needed for success is diligence and perseverance. Some of us may have a weak and delicate health. Some may not be blessed with a sharp intelligence or a retentive memory. Some may be dull. Yet, it is in the willpower of all to attain to a certain standard of success. Thus, we may conclude with another saying, “Strong Determination is the key to success”.