When something is important and I struggle with whether or not it will be possible to carry it out, I try to approach it with a mindset of commitment to success.
None of us are one dimensional, and as much as I may be defined by my attempts to be fashionable and chic, I am equal parts nerd. For the past several months, I have been contemplating the wisdom of Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back when he is training Luke in the ways of the Force. With little faith in his own success at mastering the Force, Luke claims to be ‘trying’ when Yoda says to him, "Do or do not… There is no try." After watching the final chapter over the holidays, I thought it fitting to share this wisdom, both for my fellow Star Wars fans and for those who may be missing out.
If you want to do something, then you choose that you will do it, rather than leaving yourself an excuse for quitting before the end by saying that you will try. Saying that you will do something is a commitment. It is a commitment to success and commitment to effort. It is also a commitment to yourself. If you truly give something everything you have and more, you will succeed whether you are able to successfully complete the task or not.
What, you may ask, is the point in debating the semantics of Yoda's words and the merit of his mindset? I believe it is in the application of having a determined mindset as part of one's life. I, and many of the readers of this blog, have many challenges in our lives. At times, all one can do is try their best to get through the day, but sometimes I think success in living with adversity comes from not just trying, but in the doing. There are times when the determination of deciding you WILL do something is essential to your success. The belief that you are not capable of doing something, or that something is impossible (this is where Star Wars fans have the advantage, because they can recall Luke's frustration is learning to control, use, and manage the Force) is the very thing that is holding you back from success.
There was a time I considered going to medical school even after my accident. I went back to undergraduate school in preparation for this possibility, but throughout the duration of my time as physiology major I came to the conclusion that the cost to my family and the life we had built together was too high. So, I chose not to pursue this avenue. I did not feel as though I had given up, or failed. I simply chose to do not. In the end that was the right choice, as it left me open to the incredible opportunity that has arisen through using VOCSN and becoming a part of the Ventec Life Systems team.
When something is important and I struggle with whether or not it will be possible to carry it out, I strive to approach it with a mindset of commitment to success. I will do it, I will not try.
The views expressed by Loa are not necessarily the view of the Ventec Life Systems, its members or the clinical board. These blog posts are the personal experiences of Loa. The blog posts are not intended to provide clinical advice or training related to VOCSN. Always consult a physician or trained clinician prior to using VOCSN. Please refer to the VOCSN Clinical and Technical Manual for detailed instructions, including indications and contraindications for use. VOCSN is available by prescription only.