original intention; initial purpose; original aim
Refers to the goal or resolve one had at the start of an endeavor. Often used in contexts of sticking to or returning to one's original plan.
He stuck to his original intention and became a doctor.
困難に直面しても、初志を忘れずに努力を続けた。
Even when facing difficulties, I kept my original aim in mind and continued to work hard.
carrying out one's original intention; seeing one's initial resolve through to the end
Compound of 初 (first, initial) and 志 (will, intention, aim). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used in written Japanese to express one's original resolve or purpose.