Time to go on a diet
Next word that should be as extinct as the dodo bird is “Try.” In my mind, when any goal, dream or objective is involved, “try” is for the meek of heart. To “try” is to already make room for failure. Warriors step into the fray no matter what. Many among us would rather forego chances of success than the risk of being disappointed in ourselves, which has us watch life from the sidelines. “Try” is implicit in its lack of commitment, but for those who take the road less traveled, “I will” denotes courage, warrior wisdom and the willingness to break out of the gate at a full-on run. If one fails after one commits, who cares? You had warrior spirit. You may not “look good,” but you are one of the rare birds (not dodo) that lives with courage and conviction and knows that commitment is all that moves mountains. Besides, in day-to-day life, it’s frustrating for the people around you. “Honey, will you pick up dinner tonight?” Response: “I’ll try.” Hmmmph … might go hungry.
Last diet tip: Let’s take on the word “Pursuit.” Look, I am a huge fan of Tommy Jefferson and the mates who penned the Declaration of Independence. I also understand context, so I capitulate to the term “in pursuit of happiness,” but for the rest of us? Pursuit is for chasing balls on the polo field and nighttime antics in any bar on earth. But to pursue is not to have. Why don’t more mentors tell us the future doesn’t exist but for what is happening in the present? Let’s not “pursue” happiness. Let’s declare happiness now. Let’s not “pursue” winning as something you need to be happy. Look around. You can easily find 20 reasons to be happy. Look at yourself and the faces of the people around you. Be happy for strengths and differences and wherever your journey may have taken you so far. If you can be happy for no reason at all you have already won. If not, “hope” no one finds out!