How To Turn Attempts Into Accomplishments – Don’t Try, Do It!

The distinction may seem small but vitally important and it has huge ramifications.

When we say we are trying we don’t really have to do anything. It also provides us with an excuse for why we didn’t accomplish the outcome we say we want. You either do something or you don’t do it. Trying is really the same as not doing it. It just makes it easier for us to let ourselves off the hook when we fail.

Where are you trying to improve?

• Are you trying to get in shape—or are you getting in shape?
• Are you trying to improve your relationship—or are improving your relationship?
• Are you trying to make more sales calls—or are you making more sales calls?

This may sound like a small distinction, but it has huge ramifications.

Maybe it’s time to quit trying and just do it.  Trying does not work or improve the situation you want to change so why not just stop trying and actually do who want we want to achieve.

Here are a few suggestions:

Eliminate the word “try” from your vocabulary 
Language is subtle. The words we use can program us to perform certain ways. Using the wrong language can create an outcome we don’t intend. “Try” is a worthless word that accomplishes nothing. It might make us feel better when we fail, but it actually induces the kind of behaviour that leads to failure.

Decide either to do or not do
If you don’t want to do something, fine. Don’t do it. But don’t pretend that trying is the same as doing. They are two completely different postures. Everything important we accomplish begins with decision. We don’t slip into our greatest achievements. We commit and then make them happen.

Commit 100 percent to the outcome you want 
Decide that failure is not an option and decide to engage full out. Don’t quit. Don’t settle for merely trying. Always remember language is subtle. When we get comfortable with trying, even a bit, we open the possibility of failure because we make it respectable to walk off the field before the whistle blows. Don’t give yourself the out. The difference may only be in your mind, but it has a dramatic impact on the outcome of whatever you set out to do.

As I end, my question to you is, where have you been trying instead of doing?