Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t like the word ‘try’. Trying to do something sounds like you’re not really making that much effort – and the result is almost inevitable.
Somewhere in our brains the word ‘try’ gets associated with phrases like ‘She tried her best’ and ‘Try again’ or ‘I’ll try to do it’. It’s almost as if trying to do something means you’re setting yourself up to fall short of your goal.
So don’t try. Do.
When you say that you will do something there is more determination and power behind that decision. When the inevitable obstacles that show up start to block your path, you are determined. You will do this. So you find ways over, under, around and through the obstacles. And that’s what you have to do, most of the time, to actually get things done. Smooth sailing with no problems at all is pretty rare.
By making clear choices to do or not do something – and putting power behind those choices – you are more likely to actually get things done and succeed.
This is how Yoda (the Jedi Master of Star Wars fame) delivers it, “Do or do not. There is no try.”
But they are just words, I hear you say. What does it matter whether we try or whether we do?
It matters. Our words become our attitudes and attitudes become our life.
Karen Gray says
That is brilliant Tracey. I love it.
Nick Naughton says
Very profound – wise beyond your years!