July 2008

Trying to succeed

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Let's switch gears for a moment -- no venting this time -- and talk about the game of "trying" that so many of us play so well.

In the course of living our lives, we're constantly presented with ideas, courses, action steps, and opportunities. Too often we ask if there happens to be a refund ("just in case"). A money-back guarantee. A no-risk venture. A no-brainer. A way out. An escape. A no-effort solution. A cop-out.

We try it, and it doesn't work.

What is that really about? Actually, it represents our illusion that we are going all out, that we're playing at our highest level, giving it our very best. That we've pulled out all the stops in order to get that cookie!

I have to tell you that it's nothing more than a lie we tell ourselves in order to squelch that inner voice telling us we should participate all-out in whatever has crossed our path. So, we cheat ourselves and say that we'll "try." We don't really have to do it because, after all, there's a money-back guarantee, a life-saver… our way out.

Trying is a guarantee of failure because it represents a half-hearted

effort. A no-investment venture that speaks "loss" at the outset, it offers a clear opportunity to fail once again… still! And, to prove to yourself once again, that you just can't. It's too difficult.

Let me play a game with you for a moment, so that I can demonstrate this "trying" thing.

Imagine you're sitting in a chair and when I ask you to stand up, you do. Well, that was easy.

Suppose, then, I ask you to "try" to stand up from that same chair. Your Innate is confused. You can't "try" and actually accomplish something at the same time. Either you do, or you don't, there's no "trying" involved.

Alright, you're standing. You perceive that's what I asked and the chair is there, empty, behind you. Now, here's where it gets interesting. I didn't ask you to stand. I asked you to "try" -- huge difference.

You failed because you actually stood up. You just failed at "trying." Your action didn't produce the desired result. You did not succeed.

Yet, you feel safe because it wasn't your best effort anyway. It didn't have to be. After all, you were only "trying."

Apply this principle to whatever direction, or course, or opportunity life throws at you. Do you see the problem with the philosophy of "trying?" This is where you put yourself on the line, where the rubber meets the road. You're either the steamroller, or the pavement!

One thing I've learned is that you can't risk and hedge at the same time. Can't suck and blow. Can't try and succeed. No. You simply make up your mind to just do it. And you do it with all your heart and soul! No hedging. No sucking. No whining, No hoping. No whinging. And no trying. Trying is success turned inside out.

Just decide that you want to change your life, and then do it. As Master Yoda once said, "Do or do not. There is no try."

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x-ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the "fastest-growing coaching program on the planet." Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com and take the Practice Health Mini-Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e-mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com or by calling 800-353-3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS "on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?" Send him an e-mail and asked to be added to the list.)