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An oft-quoted line from the great thinker, Yoda:
Do, or do not. There is no try.
When Yoda says this, he is frustrated with his protege, Luke Skywalker. In response to one of Yoda’s important instructions, Luke has sighed, “All right, I’ll give it a try.” Yoda shakes his head, and dispenses his wisdom. Do, or do not. There is no try.
What does “I’ll try” really mean? On its face, it seems to mean “I will make an effort,” or maybe “I will attempt it.”
But as Yoda knows, baked into “I’ll try” is this: I’m not making any promises. I’m giving myself an out. Don’t count on it, since I’m only trying. In fact, you should probably have a back-up plan, for sure.
Yoda wants Luke to commit himself, to take a stand. He gives Luke two ways he can commit himself: Do, or do not.
When people who aren’t Yoda use this quote, they often seem to be saying, in a sort of Star Wars/Nike mash-up: “Just do it. There is no try.”
But I think what Yoda is really saying is this. “Don’t waffle. Don’t create a loophole for yourself. Commit to one path or the other—make the change or stay as you are, but don’t waste my time with trying.”
“I’ll try” is often self-deception. It can be a way we put off making the real decision. And sometimes we forget that “do not” is a valid choice.
Luke can say, “That sounds hard. I can’t make those changes right now.” Or he can say, “You know what? I’m ready to do this work.”
But “I’ll give it a try” is a lie that’s not worthy of him, Yoda, or the work he needs to do, and Yoda calls him out.
Where do you see “I’ll try” showing up?
