“We think trying is good, but ‘trying’ has the expectation for failure built into it. Our expectations tend to be fulfilled. So, instead, just do.” ~ Ellen J. Langer, Harvard professor, The Mindful Body
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”~ Yoda
This week we’re exploring the powerful difference between trying and doing, a distinction that shows up everywhere: in movement, in wellness, and in how we show up for ourselves. We often tell ourselves, “I’ll try,” believing it signals effort or good intentions. But as Ellen Langer and Master Yoda remind us, “trying” subtly leaves the door open for stepping back, hesitating, or anticipating failure.
In ballet class this week, a student was trying to finish her pirouette and kept falling out of it. After watching a few attempts, I said, “Anyone can start a turn; the hard part is finishing.” She said, “But, I am trying to finish!” Trying left her in the in-between space. Doing commands commitment. There is no trying in a pirouette; only doing. And doing means finishing, even if the finish isn’t perfect. The moment she shifted from “I’ll try to finish” to “I will finish,” her balance and confidence changed.
Doing doesn’t demand perfection; it simply requires presence. In any movement practice, you can “try” an alignment exercise, or you can do it: breathe, feel your weight, sense your posture lengthening. Doing anchors you in the experience.
Here’s your “doing” invitation for the week:
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Pick a small action: five minutes of movement, one minute of breathing, a mindful posture reset.
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Replace “I’ll try” with “I will.”
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Then simply DO it.
In my wellness coaching and ballet classes, tiny acts of intentional “doing” accumulate into real change. Embrace action over attempt and think of Yoda as you do it!
Stretching alongside you,
Amy
