Yoda was a smart little green dude, who nailed it when he said:
“Do, or do not, there is no try.”
Everyday we try new things, we explore, and we work towards our goals. However, there isn’t often a rush or sense of urgency. “I’ll do it later” or “I have plenty of time” are familiar sentiments that I even catch myself saying often. So what can we do to become as successful as Yoda who can lift an X-wing with his thoughts?
We can do exactly what it takes to get where we want, with no excuses… period.
Do you know exactly what you want? I bet if someone put a gun to your head at this very moment and said “tell me exactly what you want and make it happen in the next three months or you’re dead” I bet you’d figure it out and accomplish it. However, if there’s no sense of urgency you most likely won’t get it done.
When you start projects do you “give them a try” or do you make it your mission to accomplish them bar none, pedal to the metal without excuses, distractions, or self doubt?
Luke wasn’t on a mission to get the X-wing out of the swamp and already had defeated himself before he gave an attempt…
Luke: We’ll never get it out now!
Yoda: So certain are you? Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?
Luke: Master, moving stones around is one thing, but this is totally different.
Yoda: No, no different, only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned.
Luke: All right, I’ll give it a try.
Yoda: No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.
If you wanted to go out and make a million dollars this year, it could happen. You don’t try, you do. The moment you realize that, by realizing you have the potential to do anything you want in this world, your life changes forever. Want to go to Paris… do it, want to get a new job… do it, want to find the girl of your dreams… do it. Make it your mission, seek and destroy, don’t let anything hold you back.
What have you only being trying at lately without giving it your all?
What kind of things are you on the straight path to success for?
Should we create some urgency here at Planting Dollars to track a 3 month goal you have with weekly benchmarks?
Image from Maladjusted
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Yoda was very wise! I think that we need to always be putting our goals in plain sight, so that it is always without our line of view. I love the idea of weekly bench marks!
Tom | Build That List´s last blog ..The Aweber Code….And Why You Need To Promote It!
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Ryan Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 12:22 am
Hey Tom, if I started a group that tracked something weekly would you be interested?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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I think weekly bench marks would be a great idea! I think that would be a great way for people to hold themselves accountable for their own goals.
Sometimes things need to be written down and scheduled in order for us to actually do them.
Kiesha @ WeBlogBetter´s last blog ..5 blogging niche ideas you should run from
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Ryan Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 12:23 am
Glad you liked the idea Kiesha, if I started this would you be interested in participating?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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So I’ve never seen Star Wars, but yeah, Yoda knows the deal! To answer your questions:
1) I’m not studying as hard as I should for the GMAT. But that’s only becuase I’m going to take a class soon, so I feel like the urgency will kick in when I realize that I’m spending my money.
2) I’m on the direct path to Happiness. Finding my “happy” is my life goal and I’ve found a way to live that makes me appreciate even my morning alarm clock.
3) I’d rather you not track my goals, then I’d be totes embarrassed if I didn’t meet them. How about we track YOUR goals???
Investing Newbie´s last blog ..Word to the Wise
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Ryan Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 12:24 am
Oh my gosh! You need to see Star Wars! (that was the geek inside me talking!)
In regards to number 3 - that’s the whole point - accountability! I would do it as a group so we’d all be accountable to each other. No interest?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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I should print this out and put it somewhere commonplace: “You don’t try, you do”.
Excellent advice.
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Why Automating Your Proccess Is The Only Way To Stay Sane
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Moon Hussain Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:18 am
Err, forgot to mention, you’ve been “recognized” in my post for today
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Why Automating Your Proccess Is The Only Way To Stay Sane
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Very good analogy. Luke’s attitude in this instance is spot on with what happens to a lot of people. A little bit of trying happens, nothing seems to work, and it becomes give up time.
I’m reminded of something I believe you mentioned on your website somewhere, of what Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time said when asked how he did so well. And he said that he just works harder than everyone else. He said there are plenty of people with talent and skills, but his work ethic separates him.
In the past, my work ethic and consistency always derailed what I was working on. I’m realizing that if I just stay consistent for even a month, that I’m now generating momentum and it becomes easier to work on my websites each day.
Someone who has a tireless work ethic, who believes in what they are doing, and who constantly refines their strategy when things don’t work will be hard pressed not to find success in what they are doing.
And I do like the idea of goals with benchmarks, especially when it comes to savings/income. I.E. how much can I save this month? How much do I want to save this year?
Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..How To Be A Hot Nerd
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Ryan Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Yup, almost anything can be broken down into more edible chunks so benchmarking is a great way to become less intimidated by large goals.
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Love the post! What a great push for everyone to get out there and do what you want to do! Definitely should create goals with benchmarks!
Alyssa Magnotti´s last blog ..thinkcamp 2010
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I’ve set a goal to make a million bucks every year for the past 3 yrs, and this year is no different!
It’s one thing to talk, and another thing to do, ineed!
The drizzle has subsided here in the mointains Ryan. One hike to def check out is making the 2mile loop in Koko Head, right past Sandy Beach. There’s nobody there, and it is a prize.
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Ryan Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Well you’re just full of interesting gems… Want to write my Waikiki site for me too?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Financial Samurai Reply:
February 20th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Maybe! Let me know how much you pay by the hour, and I’ll consider it for sure!
Best, Sam
Financial Samurai´s last blog ..How To Get Your Super Motivated Boyfriend to Marry You
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Goals are important. Especially in finance if you want to achieve a certain millionaire dream. Yoda is wise, but ugly looking.
http://moneyhoneysf.blogspot.com/
moneyhoneysf´s last blog ..Deadly Sin: Gambling Addiction
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Ryan Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Awwww…. I’m sure he’s beautiful in someone’s eyes!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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I thought this was a insiteful idea on brench marks, In fact I wrote a article on my blog concerning that very subject. Know where your going is the title. Having brench marks even on small goals will keep your focus on the big picture. Good Article.
Arlene´s last blog ..5 tips to Saving Money on Travel Bookings
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Ryan Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Thanks Arlene… without tracking you’ll never know exactly where you stand.
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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“You don’t try, you do. ”
I love this statement and it creates a resounding effect for me. This is the epitome of self-accountability. I actually came across a task a few days ago that I did not do my full, but no one knew. So, why did it matter? I felt like crap! I didn’t hold myself accountable nor did i use the force!
Great post
-Eric Saylor
Eric Saylor´s last blog ..Scraping the bottom of the bowl?
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I found your website while viewing videos on youtube. I have been searching for website videos and I found one from Lisa3876. I have watched a few of her videos before so I knew she was going to be offering some great videos. I just finished watching her video where she talks about your blog. So here I am. I must say I am very impressed with what I have seen so far. Scrolling down your page I see this post. Either Do or Do not, there is no try.. I have been saying “try” alot this last month. I am Trying to get my sites up and running. I am trying to make a great blog. Yours by the way is a great blog. I can tell my looking at yours I need to do a lot of work.
I am not new to the online business but rather new to blogging and tweeting. I am going to “do” What am I going to do? I am going to work on my blog. Make it a great one. http://aquaangels.blogspot.com/. I do have one question. Is it best to move my blog over to a name like aquaangelsblog.com or keep it at blogspot.com?
Thank you for your hard work. Makes me want to work harder on mine.
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Ryan Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 12:49 am
Cassandra,
Each situation is unique so I don’t know what’s best for your because I don’t know what you’re goals are with your blog. If it’s for business purposes you definitely not have a .blogspot blog - it portrays that you’re not serious enough to get your own domain.
Ryan
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Hey, it looks like you and I are on the same wavelength
When I joined the millionaire club, I used the same yoda saying at the end <a href="http://www.moneyreasons.com/2010/02/millionaire-clubbing-with-a-friend/" check it out! too funny huh
The “yoda speak” saying just seemed so appropriate to the club goal!!!
Money Reasons´s last blog ..Wealth Tip #4: Invest Money Saved on Food and Other Products
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Money Reasons Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Drat I forgot to close my anchor… sorry…
Money Reasons´s last blog ..Wealth Tip #4: Invest Money Saved on Food and Other Products
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Ryan Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
haha, you totally should be!
Glad you’re a Yoda fan as well.
Ryan´s last blog ..Why Ideas are Like Sperm
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Great post! You hit it home with this article. Thanks for reminding us that there is no try…we do or do not.
I think so many of us get stuck in what we know, our comfort zone. We give ourselves an excuse for not accomplishing something..when we say, “at least we tried…”
Thanks for showing us we are accountable!
Kristine´s last blog ..Limitations to College Savings Plans
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