Let's be honest, many of us know what we need to do, but never commit to doing it. We loosely use the words trying to, when we feel we don't have the requisite skills or a strong will to handle what we know we should handle. It might be that you’re trying to lose weight, to be a better parent, be a better boss or a better employee. Trying to start a business, trying to be a better son or daughter, trying to manage your finances better, trying to have a better work-life balance, trying to be a better leader, the list goes on.
Until recently, some of my tries have been trying to be more present, especially with the kids at home, trying to be more intentional in my spiritual life, and trying to be more purposeful with my daily habits. Well, I can’t say I’ve attained these, but I am in training to attain them.
The thing is, to get anywhere in life, you need to stop trying and start doing. There’s a big difference between trying and doing. When you’re trying, there’s usually no goal and no repercussions, the motivation is low, and at the slightest resistance, we easily drop out with the excuse of ‘I was just trying’. When you try, you're attempting without any specific direction or purpose. It's like throwing darts blindfolded and hoping to hit the bullseye.
Doing, on the other hand, gets you into training mode, you purposefully hone your skills, build your strengths, and develop a game plan to crush your goals. Think about it this way: athletes don't just show up on game day, try running, and hope for the best. They train relentlessly, pushing their limits, refining their techniques, and conditioning their bodies and minds for peak performance. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and they work strategically to make it happen. That's the kind of mindset we need to adopt in our own lives.
So, how can you apply this concept to your journey? First, get crystal clear on your goals. What do you want to achieve? Whether it's landing your dream job, starting a business, getting fit, or mastering a new skill, define your target and create a roadmap. Remember, training has to be done with the following in mind.
1. Consistency is Key: When you try, you might give it your all for a day or two, but then life gets in the way, and your efforts fizzle out. Training, on the other hand, is all about consistency. Just like an athlete hitting the gym regularly, you need to consistently work on your skills, habits, and mindset to make lasting progress. Whether it's studying, networking, exercising, or practicing your craft, every action should be a deliberate step toward your aspirations. You might need to purchase some gear to enable you to train better, engage a coach or a mentor, or invest in a course or a networking forum it should cost you something.
2. Mindset Matters: Trying often comes with a fear of failure. But guess what? Failure is a part of the training process. Instead of fearing it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. A trained mind understands that setbacks are just stepping stones to success. It is said that your level of training depends on what you want to become. How hard or how good do you want to become? That’s how hard you need to train.
Someone once said that the hardest belt to achieve is the white belt and not the black one. Why the white belt? Because many people don’t even start. Achieving the black belt, on the other hand, comes as a result of continual training once you achieve the white belt.
Don’t judge yourself too harshly for the few times you fail; get up and do it again.
3. Set Clear Goals: When you're just trying, your goals might be vague or unrealistic. Training requires you to set clear, achievable goals. Even as students, we knew we needed to achieve a certain grade if we needed to progress to a certain level, or career, or subject selection. So it is with life.
If you plan to meditate an hour a day, have that as a goal, but you could start with 5 minutes, 10 minutes a day, and increase it as time goes by and the routine sets in. Training isn't just about reaching a specific goal; it's about becoming the best version of yourself along the way. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously refine your approach. Remember, every rep, every setback, and every failure is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.
4. Learn from the Best: Trying involves a lot of trial and error, but training is about seeking guidance from those who have already mastered what you aim to achieve. Find mentors, read books, attend workshops – immerse yourself in the wisdom of those who've walked the path before you. Find a coach and network with like-minded people. Most of us fail here because we feel someone should do it for us, or we wait to stumble on opportunities.
5. Master Your Craft: Trying might involve dabbling in various things without truly mastering any. Training, on the other hand, is about deliberate practice and continuous improvement. Whether you're learning a new skill or honing an existing one, commit to becoming the best at what you do. Follow one course until successful – FOCUS. Make those 5 minutes the best 5 minutes for that activity in your day.
6. Finally, stay disciplined and stay positive. Training requires dedication and perseverance. There will be days when you feel like giving up, but that's when your commitment to your training will carry you through. And always keep a positive mindset. Believe in yourself, visualize your success, and let that energy propel you forward. Don’t let momentary feelings dictate your life – get past them.
Remember, it's not about trying harder; it's about training smarter. Your future self will thank you for it!
