By : Lifestyle | December 30, 2011, 10:08 am

Stop Trying and Just Do It Already!

stop-trying-just-do-it

"The Empire Strikes Back"

 

How often have you heard the following:

  • I’ll give it a try…
  • I will try to come…
  • I will try to get it done…
  • I’ll try to see how it goes…
and on and on. 
 
But when you really think about it, “trying” to do anything never gets it done. Yoda demonstrates this instructive principle in the movie “The Empire Strikes Back” when he tells Luke to pull out his sunken spaceship using only his mind. I guess Yoda told you, Luke! :-)

The Empire Strikes Back: Yoda’s Wisdom

 
I hear you asking, “Well doesn’t try mean to attempt to do or accomplish something?” Yes, it does as the dictionary tells us. But this post is to take a look at how most people use this word as an excuse for not doing something or as a lack of commitment.
 
Have you ever “tried” to touch your nose? Have you ever “tried” to stand up? Have you ever “tried” to think about something? Have you ever “tried” to relax? Have you ever “tried” to go somewhere but just couldn’t move (outside of paralysis, you guys get my drift!)?
 
Go ahead…I’ll wait while you try to do the things above….*raps fingers on desk*
 
Times up! Most likely, the trying of any of the above scenarios left you unsuccessful. 

What’s Wrong With Trying?

Here’s what’s wrong – Trying is not action. It is a condition of the mind. It invokes a sense of frustration and/or a lack of purpose. It sets the stage for no results. Things can work when you are trying, but they work despite your trying, not because of it. The use of the word is one of the ways people have found to not-so-cleverly make excuses. I think we just feel it’s easier for us to let ourselves off the hook when we fail.

There is a distinct difference between trying and doing. As Yoda suggested to Luke in the movie, the difference may only be in your mind, but it has a dramatic impact on the outcome of whatever you set out to do. 

In addition, the use of the word try allows for the mindset that we might not succeed. However, it’s way better to commit to doing and to realize it takes perseverance and patience to complete the task than to slight yourself and say “I’ll try…”

Stop Trying and Just Do It Already!

A few years ago, I got so tired of hearing my niece and nephew saying that word so I banned its use in my presence. (Another word I banned them from using was can’t but that’s a whole ‘notha post :-) )

Once they learned to change their language, they began to see they could actually accomplish more. The same goes for us as adults. 

It may sound counter-intuitive but listen to this: To NOT try is to make a commitment – either you do or you don’t; either you are or you’re not; either you will or you won’t. That’s it!

Until you make a decision to do something, it won’t manifest in your life. Whatever you want to be or do, just be it or do it. 

I remember “trying” to start this blog for the last couple of years, but only because I finally made the decision to just do it are you able to be reading this article right now.

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” - Dale Carnegie

Now I’m talking to myself too as I write this because I have a something I’ve been trying to do for years and guess what? It’s not done yet! I know that it’s because I don’t want to commit to the work needed to actually do it. Now that I’ve admitted this to myself, I know I need to either take a different approach or scrap the idea altogether. This is exactly the process we all need to undertake to avoid the cycle of trying….

Over to you…

What are your thoughts on the word “try”? Do you think it should be removed from our vocabulary? Why or why not?

 

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Author: Who am I? I'm Kesha and I believe we should Be the Fruit Loop in a world full of Cheerios and that life is more interesting when you dare to be different! I'm also the Principal Web Designer at XD Web Solutions, a writer, an online marketer, speaker, board game player, a student of the Universe, and all around cool chick. Oh, did I mention I can be bribed with Oreos. ;-) Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook or Google + and say hi. Don't be shy! Also, sign up via the RSS Feed to keep up with the latest posts on the blog.

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