"Do... or do not. There is no 'Try.'" Master Yoda

In honor of Star Wars finishing up with the release of the final movie: Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith, I have decided the first masterful thought to contemplate is the ever remembered one of Yoda.

For those who do not know about Yoda and Star Wars, Yoda was a little green guy, built like a slug, but had quasi-magical power that enabled him to do great things: sense feelings, read thoughts, move objects through telekinesis and more. One day, while training someone to use these powers, he gave the command to lift an object, to which the student replied,"Okay... I guess I'll try."

Needless to say, this upset Yoda. "No! Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."

I know, you think this is silly. But stop for just one pickin' minute and think about it! How many times have you said,"I'll try" ... and then, what was the result?

Here are some possible results of "Try" :

1) "You gave it your best shot." Or did you? A person can set themselves up to fail, and have a justification for failure. You "tried" but didn't succeed? Now go back and be honest about the effort you put forth. You either DID put forth some effort, in which case if you fail you need more work. OR... you did NOT put forth good enough effort, and now you can lie to yourself and/or others. Why not set your mind to actually DOING something? Then, if it doesn't come about, you know without a doubt you need more practice, work, experience, etc.

2) People will often give in to Peer Pressure, giving something a "Try" knowing full well that the results lead to disaster. Teenagers will 'try' drugs' and become addicted or get killed. Or they will 'try' sex and end up with an unexpected pregnancy. Trying something for the sake of being able to say you did that 'something' is never excuse enough. Why not try putting a single bullet into a 6 chamber gun, spin the cylinder and put the gun to your head. Want to try pulling the trigger? How stupid is that?! And by they way: that was NOT a suggestion, so don't take me serious.

The point is: too many problems in this world are the result of people "trying" to do something. They like the thought of giving something a shot, but no desire to actually make it happen or follow through.

"To Try" is to set yourself up for a Trap. "Try" to save money, and you won't. "Try" to get a raise, and you won't. "Try" not to get caught... doing something you know is wrong? Huh!

So the next time you feel the urge to "try" something, ask yourself (and be honest) why you want to give that something a shot? It may not be something serious. Perhaps you want to try pistachio ice cream? Hey, fine. No worries. Just know FIRST why you are going down that road... and then be ready to accept what you find when you get there...