How This Tiny Word Is Blocking Your Success

We’ve all heard the phrase, “I’ll try.” It sounds harmless, doesn’t it? Yet this tiny, seemingly innocent word can sabotage our mindset and, ultimately, our results. Whether you’re “trying” to finish a project, “trying” to get to the gym, or “trying” to stop being so busy, this word creates a subtle escape route. It gives us permission to not fully commit—leaving the door open for failure.

In the words of Yoda:?“Do or do not, there is no try.”?

This isn’t just a memorable quote from?Star Wars; it’s an empowering approach to life.

The Escape Clause of 'Try'

When we say we’ll?try, we’re not committing. We’re signalling that we’ll make an effort, but we’re already considering the possibility of failure. It’s the perfect “escape clause,” allowing us to back out if things get too tough, inconvenient, or uncomfortable.

Consider this scenario: how often have you heard someone say, “I’ll?try?to stop being so busy”? It’s a classic one, isn’t it? What does?try?actually mean in this context? In reality, it often means that the person will make a half-hearted attempt but isn’t willing to commit fully to managing their time differently. Instead of setting boundaries, saying no to unnecessary tasks, or creating space for themselves, they default to?trying. And inevitably, they remain stuck in the same pattern.

The word?try?lets us off the hook, reinforcing that being “busy” is beyond our control. But busyness is a choice, and so is committing to stop being busy. If we truly want to change, we must eliminate the escape route that?try?creates and replace it with action-driven language.

Empowered Language, Empowered Actions

The words we choose don’t just reflect our intentions—they shape our mindset and influence our actions. Saying “I’ll try to work out this week” versus “I?will?work out three times this week” is not just semantics. One creates wiggle room, while the other breeds determination and accountability.

Think about the power shift that happens when we change our language from?try?to?commit.

Saying “I commit to finishing this project on time” leaves no room for excuses. It’s a declaration of ownership over the outcome. Words like?commit,?will, or?choose?push us to take full responsibility for our actions, inspiring not only us but those around us. In leadership, this is especially important—because people don’t follow a leader who just “tries.”

Challenge: Remove 'Try' from Your Vocabulary for One Week

If you’re ready to feel the difference, here’s a challenge: for the next week, eliminate the word?try?from your vocabulary. Replace it with?do,?will,?commit, or?choose—and notice the shifts in your behaviour and mindset.

Are you constantly?trying?to find balance but still feel overwhelmed? Commit to creating time for yourself and be intentional with how you spend it. Are you?trying?to lead your team more effectively? Choose to lead with purpose, clarity, and action.

Words matter, and the word?try?weakens your commitment. Let this challenge serve as a springboard to unlock greater confidence, empowered choices, and more success in everything you do.