BALANCE
Lessons from Yoda on Achieving Goals
By Andy Jacks
“ No ! Try not ! Do . Or do not . There is no try .”
In Star Wars Episode V : The Empire Strikes Back , Yoda challenged Luke Skywalker to believe he could use the force to mentally pick up his spaceship from the swamp . Luke ‘ tried ’ but didn ’ t really think he could do it . So guess what ? You got it . He didn ’ t do it .
Yoda was making a specific and really important point that we all need to remember . If we are just trying , then we are not really envisioning our success and , therefore , won ’ t achieve it . Even more so , if we don ’ t convey this attitude to others , then they are likely only ‘ trying ’ to learn instead of actually learning .
Later in the movie , when Yoda lifts the spaceship on his own , Luke says , “ I don ’ t believe it .” Yoda replies , “ That is why you fail .” Wow .
This is where VISION comes into play . SEE your goal in your mind so you KNOW what you are trying to achieve . BELIEVE it can happen . Have the attitude that you WILL DO IT . Not only will it help you focus and accomplish that goal , but also , others will see that attitude in you and follow your lead . Confidence is contagious .
Think about your next goal in front of you . It could be working out more , reading a new book , or helping a child master a new skill in the classroom . If you tell yourself , “ I ’ ll try to get it done ,” you are fooling yourself . Do it or don ’ t do it . Make up your mind . Once you decide , put everything into that direction . Let it go or make it happen .
Trying is not doing ; it ’ s just pretending . Trying is not committing . Trying is not believing .
How far are you willing to go to achieve your goals ? We should see it in your eyes . You know that look — the look of someone who knows what they are going to do . That look conveys that it doesn ’ t matter what obstacles present themselves . It doesn ’ t matter what failures or setbacks occur along the way . This … is … going … to … happen .
Be confident . Believe in yourself . Do .
The above is an edited version shared with permission by the author . CLICK HERE to find the original .
Andy Jacks is the enthusiastic and award-winning principal of Ashland Elementary School in Prince William County Schools . Through his leadership , Ashland has led the use of technology , engaging instruction , and social media , resulting in one of the highest performing schools in the division . Mr . Jacks can often be found celebrating with students or providing motivation by cheering , “ Believe in yourself and be you !” In addition , Mr . Jacks serves on the board of directors for the Autism Society of Northern Virginia . He advocates for those with special needs in his school and in the community .
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