Lean Quote: Do or Do Not. There is No Try

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Do or do not. There is no try."  — Yoda, Star Wars Jedi 

Yoda's quote "Do or do not. There is no try" conveys a mindset focused on commitment and determination. It suggests that simply trying can imply a lack of conviction or half-hearted effort. Instead of merely attempting something with the possibility of failure, Yoda advocates for a full commitment to either accomplishing the task or not engaging in it at all.

"Try" is self-denigrating. It essentially means that you are not capable of doing a certain task - or at the very least lack the necessary self-confidence to do it. It implies you are not sure if you can do it.

By eliminating the word try, you make up your mind to either do something or not. You will either ignore the task completely or do whatever is necessary to complete the task. It implies that you will have the necessary perseverance in the face of any obstacles that may emerge.

By eliminating the word try, you are declaring that you are capable of doing the task and that you have the self-confidence to fight whatever might stop you from completing it.

This perspective doesn't necessarily mean that trying is worthless; rather, it emphasizes the importance of intention and dedication. In a broader sense, it encourages individuals to take decisive action and to fully commit to their goals, aiming for success rather than just going through the motions. The quote can inspire a proactive approach to challenges, highlighting the value of perseverance and belief in one's capabilities.