Most people on earth with a TV have watched Star Wars. In ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, Yoda, the iconic Jedi Master says one line that has stuck with me ever since… “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Those with passion, confidence and belief – Do; those without passion, confidence and belief – try, and often fail or deliver late. When I say, “I’ll try,” I build in an excuse. If I start but don’t finish, I can always say, “Well, I tried.” But if I say, “I’ll do,” I commit to finish no matter what. By definition, the word “try” implies potential failure.
Are you “trying” to improve your current state? Are you “trying” to enhance your top or bottom line, marketing, selling, leadership, relationships, customer service, employee development? Stop trying! Make a true commitment to change. Pick a focussed list of projects, with the right people, that are committed, understand the vision and their part to play and do it, or don’t do it – there is no try.
You might find the following list will help you focus on the ‘Do’
1. Decide on the top 3 things that are going to make a difference and why (in your life / project / department / business).
2. What, if anything, are you going to have to stop doing and understand and be comfortable with the implications.
3. Who do you need to help you?
4. Fully engage those around you in your vision of what you are trying to achieve.
5. Plan for success, and also have a Plan B.
6. Engage and enrol those people who you need to succeed in the plan. (Team / Bank / Suppliers / Spouse etc)
7. Commit to Action
8. Monitor and celebrate the progress.
9. Learn from mistakes along the way – NOT at the end
10. Succeed