The Yoda Principle
Life goals. Bucket lists. “One day I’ll…”
We all have dreams and goals. The biggest difference between people who achieve them and people who don’t is the act of actually DOING. Do you have goals and things you want to achieve? Professional aspirations? Personal bucket list items? Let me ask this – what’s stopping you from starting on them?
I don’t tend to get motivational on this blog, but today I’m serving up a little motivation, Yoda style.
Luke whined “All right. I’ll give it a try.” Yoda gave Luke an attitude adjustment “No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.”
What would Yoda say to you if you talked to him about your goals and your progress toward them? That’s what I thought. I’m here to be your Yoda. (for a few minutes anyway).
Here are some great first steps you can take right now to help you move toward achieving your goals.
“Ready are you?” – Yoda
You can’t get “there” if you don’t know where “there” is. Sit down and actually articulate what it is you’re trying to achieve. Define success.
Some people say I’m lucky (I actually think I am) but there’s more to it than luck. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” I tend to make sure I’m prepared to achieve my goals.
Have you defined your goal? Are you ready to seize the opportunity when it knocks? No? Then go write your goal down. Now. I’m not kidding. Write it down.
Believe
Luke: “I don’t believe it!”
Yoda: “That is why you fail.”
Do you believe in yourself? What about belief in God’s direction in your life? Do you believe you have the ability to achieve the goal or build the skills that will enable you to achieve it?
You have to believe. You must be relentless in pursuing those goals. The minute you lose confidence, you’re done. That lack of confidence will show through in all you do and a vicious circle of failure will begin.
Do you have reminders around you that help you remember you can achieve and succeed? Find those reminders. Start believing in yourself, those close to you and providential purpose. It’s a good bet to make.
“There is no try. Do.” – Yoda
I could spew forth a ton of quotes about taking that first step on your journey blah blah blah. I won’t. I’ll just say if you have big goals, they can be daunting. But you have to start somewhere.
Every interim step on the path to the broader goal is a goal in and of itself. I tackle every one with a mindset of “do.” Do not procrastinate. Do not be overwhelmed. Break your goal up into smaller steps and “do.”
Look – I know you have goals. The question is whether you’re actively pursuing them and ready to achieve them. Heed Yoda’s advice:
– “Ready are you?”
– Believe
– “Do”
– Believe
– “Do”
Chad Pfeifer 