People often say “I’ll try…” rather than “I’ll do…”, indicating that they are willing to make an effort, but it also denotes a lack of commitment since they do not have grasped the philosophy of what real change does require from them  - namely persistence and forceful action!

As a coach, I will ask people whether they want to continue with the same attitude that has previously been unsuccessful and I might assign some self-help homework between coaching sessions for them to overcome their lack of persistence when it comes to doing what they should do.

To make the difference between trying and doing more clear, people should try and leave the room they are in rather than doing so; since they are only trying, they are not able to leave! In order to actually leave the room one has to do it and walk out that door – trying alone simply doesn’t cut it.

If you are still unclear about the idea of trying vs doing, try to pick up a book; if you are actually picking it up, remind yourself that you were not tasked to take it, but only to try and take it. This little exercise should make the point clear as to what the difference between “trying” and “doing” is.

To sum it up: Doing gets results, trying does not!