“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

It’s one of the most famous lines in cinema, and it points to a profound truth about the human mind. Have you ever noticed the difference in your own commitment when you say, “I’ll try to go to the gym tomorrow,” versus “I will go to the gym tomorrow”? That one little word, “try,” changes everything.

The words we use are not just descriptions of our reality; they are the tools we use to create it. The concepts of “Try,” “Do,” and “Be” are not just words. They are three distinct levels of commitment, three different mindsets, that dictate our potential for success.

The Mindset of “Trying”

“Trying” is a mindset that lives in the future and always contains the built-in possibility of failure. When you say you will “try,” you are giving yourself an out. You are creating a narrative in which failure is an acceptable, even expected, outcome.

Consider a person who is “trying” to quit smoking. Their very language frames the struggle as their central reality. They still identify as a smoker who is fighting a battle they might lose. The language of “trying” shapes our perception of a task as inherently difficult, and that perception can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Action of “Doing”

The second level, “Doing,” represents a significant shift. “Doing” is about action. It is the move from a vague future intention to a concrete present behavior. This is the world of to-do lists, of tangible tasks, of process and progress.

A person who is “doing” a new diet isn’t just thinking about it; they are actively counting calories, planning meals, and exercising. They are engaged in the process. This shift from “trying” to “doing” is powerful. It moves our perception from a place of uncertain hope to one of present-moment action. It is a necessary and crucial step toward any goal, but it is not the final step.

The Identity of “Being”

The final and most powerful stage is “Being.” This is the level where the action has been so fully integrated that it becomes a part of your identity. The behavior is no longer something you do; it is a natural expression of who you are.

You are no longer “doing” a diet; you are a healthy person who makes mindful choices about food. A professional pianist doesn’t “do” practice sessions; she is a musician, and playing the piano is a natural expression of that identity. For her, not playing feels strange and wrong.

This is the ultimate perception shift. When your identity is fully aligned with your goal, the world appears different. Obstacles are no longer threats that could lead to failure; they are simply circumstances to be navigated by the person you are. The required actions become effortless and automatic because they are consistent with your sense of self.

From Trying to Being

The framework is simple: “Trying” lives in the future and prepares for failure. “Doing” lives in the present and focuses on action. “Being” is timeless and focuses on identity.

The language we use to define ourselves and our goals is not trivial. It is the foundation upon which our reality is built. To achieve the things that seem impossible, we must eventually move beyond just doing the work and start becoming the person who gets it done.

So, I’ll leave you with this question: What is something you are currently “trying” to do? And what would change if, just for today, you decided to start “being” the person who has already achieved it?

Internal Links: The Story in Your Head: How Narrative Shapes Your World, The Myth of Everything and Nothing: Crafting Meaning from Chaos

External Link: An excellent article on Identity-Based Habits by James Clear