The concept of trying is undoubtedly the most misunderstood one governing human inter-dynamics, chiefly because “trying” cannot be measured empirically. As such, results matter but trying doesn’t. So there! Allow me to explain: Trying per se is great. Obviously, trying is the only bridge that leads to concrete results in the end. Yet trying is such an elusive, amorphous little creature, in the sense that the intensity and sincerity of any and all attempts cannot be reliably measured. The concept of trying is so relative as to render any attempts to measure it virtually worthless. I think I can better illustrate this point with a couple of salient examples. Two fat men decide to go on a diet. The first fat man cuts his calories intake to 2000 calories a day and runs a mile every day. The second fat man “cuts” his calorie intake to 4000 calories a day and walks twice around his block for his requisite daily exercise. Now, both men are undisputedly “trying” to lose weight, but who do you think will be the most successful? In this instance the second fat man is indeed trying to lose weight, but his results are obviously going to fall far short of the first man’s. As such, it can be fairly stated that the first man “did”, while the second man merely “tried”. Second example: Two bright high school seniors fervently want to be accepted into a prestigious Ivy League college. The first youngster not only hits the books hard during the regular school week, but she also studies hard on the weekends and signs up for an ACT preparation course in order that she will be better prepared when it comes time for her to sit for the seminal admissions requirement. The second senior—equally bright as the first one and no more financially disadvantaged—simply works really hard during the school week and posts sterling grades to show for it, but does nothing over-and-above that to promote his credentials. When admission letters are ultimately sent out, not surprisingly the first senior is accepted into the elite educational institution while the second misses out. Now, truthfully, both of these young people tried—some might even say tried hard—but the first youngster’s effort was markedly more impressive. As such, the results tell the story. Bottom line to all of this? Trying matters, of course—that is the only bridge which connects one with success—but results ultimately and logically quash any amount of trying. In the end, results matter and trying doesn’t. Doesn’t sound right or especially fair, I know, but such is the arbitrary way of the world. Ours is a results-based culture, and merely trying in any of its almost infinite range of gradations just doesn’t cut it. Try, yes, but focus majorly more on succeeding. If all you can ever claim credit for is trying, that probably means the sincerity or intensity of your effort—or both in conjunction—was sadly lacking. Serial trying without ever actually succeeding reflects back on you personally; society or government should not be blamed for deficiencies stemming from your paltry effort. So let’s go back to the very beginning now: Whenever a person tells you that they will “try” to do something without making a true commitment to accomplishing that task, you may as well throw their words in the wastebasket and assume the task will not be accomplished. Their response is purely a lazy, stunted way of saying they will not promise a determined effort, and—let me ask you now—what good is any sort of effort short of that desired gold standard? Long story short, serial tryers strive to try and serial doers strive to do, and the results achieved by both cohorts consistently reflect the legitimacy and earnestness of their efforts.
Fred's Soapbox 