Sometimes “trying” isn’t enough

Today I heard someone in the hall outside my office telling a colleague “Well I tried” without much enthusiasm in his voice to indicate that he really had tried. 

I was struck by the fact that probably he had not really tried very hard and by the greater and more important fact that sometimes you have to succeed, not just try. 

Here is a case in point from April 13, 2012    [20120413] 

Newark Mayor Cory Booker Rescues Woman From Burning Building

Booker said there were several moments where he feared he wouldn't be able to get out, and that he almost decided to jump out the second story window.  But, merely “trying” was not option for Booker--- he had to succeed, because without a successful rescue by him, the woman would die. The incident occurred Thursday evening April 12, 2012.

Moments after the rescue, he tweeted:      “Thanks 2 all who are concerned. Just suffering smoke inhalation. We got the woman out of the house. We are both off to hospital. I will b ok”

   Mayor Booker the morning after his "success."

For most of us, “trying” vs. “succeeding” is not a life or death matter, but many entrepreneurs can recall at least one time when succeeding was the only option to keep their business from dying. 

Beyond that, there are lots of people who have experienced times when succeeding was the only option.  Still others have only “tried”, but not succeeded and then wondered why their achievement of success is not at the level of those whose mindset is to succeed, not just try. 

Succeed --- don’t just try!