How to Get Where You Want To Go

It starts with a desire to keep trying

I’ll tell you something. I’ve never really liked the word ‘try’. It almost feels like you’re sort of putting in effort, but not really. I remember reading in a self-help book years ago (can’t remember which one now) that you should never use that word, as it means you won’t actually achieve whatever it is you‘re ‘trying’ to do. For example, when you say “I’ll try to eat healthy food every day”, then you’re not really committed to eating healthy at all. If you were, you’d say “I will eat healthy food every day”.

Therefore, I’ve never been keen on that word.

That is until yesterday morning. My view of this word changed during yoga class (haha, where else). The teacher was guiding us toward our peak pose — Padmasana, commonly known as full lotus pose. Padma is the Sanskrit word for lotus. It’s a difficult posture to achieve in its simple form, but to achieve Padmasana’s fullest expression is something very few sages can attain. It is far more complex that simply crossing your legs, with your feet resting on top of opposite thighs.

There were a lot of groans of displeasure when the class realised what we were working towards. You see, you need a strong back, and be flexible, and open, through your ankles and hips to even begin contemplating this pose. At this point our wise teacher said “you’ll never get to where you want to go, if you don’t try”. And she is right.

Trying is not so much about non-commitment, as it is about putting in the effort to work towards your goals, your dreams. In effect, trying IS commitment. Sure, you will fail along the way. Believe me I know. I’ve failed at so many things, so many times. There are periods where I do give up, and let go of that dream. But it’s never long before I’m back in the saddle and ‘trying’ once more.

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying” ~ Michael Jordan.

If you have your heart set on something, no matter what it is, then you have to keep making progress until you reach it. Otherwise, you simply won't get there. If your soul is crying out for you to follow a particular path, then it’s your obligation to hear these cries, and try your darndest to fulfil your soul’s purpose. I know that I don’t want to be on my deathbed and regret never reaching my dreams. But worse than this would be knowing I never even tried to get there.

I wish you the wisdom to try, fail, get up and try again. I want you to commit to the journey that is waiting deep within your heart and soul.

Silva x