“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
― Lao Tzu
In 2005, I enrolled in the SSY Course (Siddha Samadhi Yog). In those 15 days, we learned the basics of Rajyog Pranayam and Meditation. The course follows a regimental pattern. You cannot be late even by a minute, you consume only raw food in the dinner, no tea and coffee consumption, homework has to be completed daily, and you need to attend a 4-day retreat where you get cut off from the rest of the world.
The instructor explained the ground rules to us on Day-1. One of the rules was never to use the word try in your life. It seemed too trivial at that point. The tutor explained the rationale behind this rule. He told us that when we say we will try, we keep an escape route for ourselves. We do not go into the task with full commitment. This ambiguity not only clouds our thinking but also impacts people who depend on the outcome of our actions. This rule has had a profound impact on my life. I refrain from using the word. Whenever I inadvertently use this word, my mind renders a tight slap, and I immediately correct myself.
Your mind plays games. When you restrict yourself from using the word try, it comes in another guise. An alternate form is saying I will do my best. Churchill once said, "It is not enough to do your best—you must succeed in doing what is necessary." This rule has a positive impact on the culture of an organization. People focus on the outcome instead of activities. They understand the importance of commitment and stop giving excuses.
Metrics: Keep a watch on yourself. Inform everyone around you about this rule. Seek their help in catching you when you use the word or its parallel forms. Measure how many times you err. You will reap immense benefits by monitoring yourself.
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