SwCA Episode 143: Replace TRY With DO

SITE: http://www.courtneyanderson.com/swca-episode-143-joyful-art-of-business-series-replace-try-with-do.html

SHOW NOTES: This episode is part of our JOYFUL ART OF BUSINESS™ series wherein we explore how to combine the positive benefits of our professional endeavors (“business”) with the overall positive emotional return on our efforts (“joy”). Our episode topic is, “Replace ‘TRY’ with ‘DO’!”

Words matter. "I'm going to try to...(get a new job, buy a house, get in shape, complete my degree, etc.). What does that really mean? 

Definition of TRY:

": to make an effort to do something : to attempt to accomplish or complete something"

Try. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/try

Definition of DO:

to bring to pass :  carry out

Do. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do

When you say that you are "going to try" or that you are "trying" it does not mean anything. It leads to confusion as some people will erroneously interpret your language to mean that you are going to do what you are referencing (and will be frustrated when you do not take action). Other people will interpret your language to simply mean that you had a thought about the issue but that you are not going to be expected to follow through and complete the task. 

Take ownership of your language and clarify your terminology. If you mean that you are going to actually complete a task, replace the word "try" with "do!"

© Courtney Anderson Enterprises LLC 

Courtne