A Simple Way To Change Your Life Right Now
February 3, 2008 | In Mindset |
Stop using the word “try” or any of it’s variations. Forget trying to do something different, giving a new idea a try, and trying to do your best.
Photo by spiritwalkersg (I used to have one of these toys!)
You probably think I’m a little crazy now, especially after I tell you to stop trying to do your best. There is a famous line for Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back where Yoda tells Luke Skywalker, “Do or do not, there is no try.” There is quite a lot of wisdom in that statement.
When you think about it, can you really try to do something? Try to pick up a pencil for instance. Either you pick up the pencil or you don’t. You can’t try to pick up the pencil and succeed, can you? So, trying something isn’t a very descriptive word.
Try Is An Excuse Word
Try is also an excuse word. If we don’t believe we can do something, we’ll say, “I’ll try it out.” But, just as you can’t try to pick up a pencil, you can’t try to loose weight, or try to eat healthy, or try to be nicer to people. You either loose weight, eat healthy, are nicer to people, or you don’t loose weight, don’t eat healthy, and aren’t nicer to people. You either do or do not.
If we are approaching a new venture, or working on establishing a new habit, the word “try” seems very natural to our vocabulary. To be honest, it took me some effort to write the last sentence without saying it. So, instead, use the phrase “I will do my best to…” Maybe you will do it, and maybe you won’t. But, you will do your best to accomplish the task.
Right now, pause in reading this post and do the following. First say, “I will try to ____ (fill in the blank with a task you would like to accomplish).” Now say, “I will do my best to _____.” Which one sounds better?
Different Words Bring A Positive Mood Boost
If you do this, even in your head, you will most likely feel much more positive after saying it the second way than the first. The first few times I did this, I did so after catching myself saying it the “try” way. When I realized how much more positive the second way sounded, I did my best to say it that way instead of the “try” way from the beginning.
The more I’ve done this, the more I realize the word try is everywhere - from trial sizes to trial periods, to trying something on for size. In these instances, the use of the word “try” isn’t as much of a positive/negative connotation; however, I like to have fun finding different ways to refer to these as well. Sample sizes, test periods, and put clothes on the see if they fit. Even in these instances, I find that the different wording gives a slightly different meaning to the phrase.
Eliminating the word “try” from you vocabulary will not be easy; however, it is simple. The more you do it, the easier it gets. I’ve been doing this for about 3 months now and I’ve noticed a difference in my outlook on life. And the longer I do it, the more I hear others using the word and am able to see how it brings them down.
Hope And Feeling Of Control
That little switch from “I’ll try” to “I’ll do my best” brings back a sense of hope and control. So many times I hear others say they will try something with sadness in their voice. I can tell that they don’t really believe deep down that they will do it, but they feel they must make a show to doing it. Saying “I’ll do my best” not only gives you a boost in mood that may mean you will be able to do it, but it also has the benefit of giving others a better impression that you will be able to do it. No longer will it appear you are just making a show of doing something, but you are actually going to do it. It is within your power, and there is hope you will be successful. See why I like this turn of phrase so much?
Don’t just take my word for it though. Test it out for yourself. Switch to “I’ll do my best to” instead of “I’ll try to” a few times and see if it doesn’t change your outlook. Let me know how it goes in the comments below.
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Thanks for the reminder. I have found this a very powerful thing to do.
I was surprised at how powerful it was, actually. I’m glad I’m not the only one who has found it so.