“Do or Do Not - There is No Try.” -Yoda

Yoda, he of the large pointy ears, sleepy eyes, and infinite wisdom, is one of the most beloved characters ever. Star Wars fans the world over, in every language, can tell you any number of Yoda-isms that are genuinely brilliant, and deeply motivational, but none will be as pithy as the title of this article.  “Do or Do Not – There is No Try.”

The moment you agree to “try” you are paving the way to defeat; you are admitting that you will probably not come through with what you are agreeing to “try”.  You will either do something, or you won’t, and it is nearly confirmed at the onset, at the word “try”, that you won’t do it.

“Try” is a whiney, wimpy, weaselly word.  It can’t be mistaken for a commitment – it more suggests a lack of intention.  It’s a deflection, a way to say you won’t do something without saying the word “no”.

You tell yourself you’ll “try” to be on time.  You will “try” to be more patient, you will “try” to get more exercise, you will “try” to eat better, you will “try” to stop smoking or drinking or procrastinating.  But you have already given yourself permission to fail, to not even bother.  Either you will do whatever it is, or you won’t.  And if you aren’t going to commit to doing it, why even mention the word “try”?

There is no in-between.  Do or Do Not.

Yoda, Master of the Jedi in The Empire Strikes Back says,  “A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.”  A Jedi must be able to be counted on at all times.  You don’t really want to be the kind of person who lets people down.  But that’s what you are signaling.  “I’ll try” to stop by the store before work and pick up copier paper,” really means someone is going to have to go out and get some, because you aren’t going to come in to work with a box of paper tucked under your arm.  “I’ll try to think of a better title to that article”, means someone else needs to do it. Because “I’ll try” not only doesn’t come with a guarantee, it rarely comes with a finish!

“I’ll try” is an excuse for non-performance, given in advance, so there are no expectations that it will be done.  Be a person who can be depended upon.  Think twice before you say, “I’ll try…” if the outcome is important – commit!  If the activity isn’t important to you – why bother trying?