A Few Notes on the Art of Trying

"Do; or do not. There is no try." Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Trying is not action. It is a condition of the mind. It invokes a sense of frustration, futility, lack of purpose. It sets the stage for no results. Things can work when you are trying, but they work despite your trying, not because of it.

Trying serves to introduce the element of sacrifice, to gather sympathy from others. Trying sets up a built-in excuse, so that if you don't do it, you can say (righteously) "I tried."

There is a difference between trying and doing. If you get results and tried hard too, the result will be the same as if you did the task effortlessly. Results are what count. To get results, it is best to eliminate conditions of the mind which interfere. Trying only slows you down.

Your sacrificing sounds noble, but people prefer results. When you allow life to work naturally, you can do it without suffering and struggling. You can keep it a secret, if you are afraid others will be jealous. Chances are they will be happy with the results, and will want to emulate you.