Saying I will try to do something is a recipe for failure.
Compare the following two goals:
- “I will try to run every day this year.”
- “I will run every day this year.”
The first one, with the words “try to”, includes an allowance for me to not run and still meet the goal. I don’t really need to run every day to succeed. I just have to try to run every day. I can skip the run one day and then convince myself that I tried and I’m still on track!
The second one is far better since it says that I will run every day in 2021. It’s black and white. I either run, or I don’t. There’s no trying involved. Just a lot of running.
Crutch Words
When I set goals for running, work or life, I am cognizant of omitting crutch words like “try to” or “may” or “hope to” or “plan to”. Setting and committing to goals means having goals without weasel words that allow a fake measure of success without truly accomplishing anything.
Set goals that are specific, measurable and direct.