do or do not, there is no try

Today I want to challenge your thinking on something that has become so much a part of our nature that we almost do it without thinking.

Think back to the last time someone asked you to do something, attend something, see something and you replied with, "I'll try".

Let me share an uncomfortable reality:  Trying is just an excuse for not doing something.  We say it to make someone feel better but what we're really saying is "I'll get it done if it's convenient."  Think about it.  How often do we say things like:

• I'll try to get to the store.

• I'll try to get that call in.

• I'll try to get (fill in the blank) done by Friday (or Monday or Tuesday, etc).

We've become a society of "try-ers" instead of "do-ers". 

Let me clarify:  When I hear "I'll try", I know that what I'm really being told is, "I'll get to it if it's convenient but I'm not willing to commit to it."  It's literally the difference between being committed and not committed.

Come on - you know the deal.  When you are committed, you follow through no matter what but "trying" is sort of like just being interested.  It really hit me when I was speaking with a friend recently who was hosting an event that required an RSVP.  As the RSVP's came in, she noticed that some of the people she expected to be there hadn't yet responded.  When she called to follow-up, what she was told was, "I'll definitely try to be there!"  There's that word again!  What they were really saying is "It sounds interesting and I'll be there unless I'm too tired or unless something more interesting or compelling comes up but I'm not willing to COMMIT to attending."  They may not have verbalized it in just that way but when they said "I'll try", it is what they REALLY said.

Think about it this way:  An interested exerciser wakes up to morning rain and says, "I think I'll exercise tomorrow."  A committed exerciser wakes up to rain and says, "I guess I'll be exercising inside today."  When a person is committed to doing something, he or she will finds ways to suppress rationalization.  Even when it is inconvenient, such a person will keep their commitment. 

Unfortunately, more people reside in the domain of "I'll try" instead of the domain of "I'll get it done" but who do you think provides more value to those around them - those who "try" or those who "do"?  Who would you rather be around?  Look, I know making promises and giving your word can be scary but the more you actually focus on only making promises you can keep, the more conscious you become not only about the promises you make but also what you're willing to commit to. 

As Yoda said to Luke Skywalker in the movie Star Wars, "Do or do not. There is no try."

You were born to be great.

YES, you can!

Comments

[Margaret]

Your comments about trying vs doing resonated with me. I initially thought of some of the clients I work with both physically and emotionally. Those who 'try' do not make the necessary changes to improve their lives.Those that 'do' make significant long-lasting changes. Each and everyone of us needs to be mindful that one little work can make huge ... Read Moredifferences in feelings and actions. Which comments are more powerful...I'm trying to get out of debt, I'm trying to get in better shape or I'm getting out of debt, I'm getting in shape. Clearly the 'trying' statements fall short.
Thank you for making me more mindful. Trying does not get us far, doing does.