Written by Carla Ondrasik, speaker, motivator, and author of Stop Trying!
TRYING ISN’T ENOUGH WHEN IT COMES TO OUR HEALTH
We’ve all been there…frustrated by the extra pounds that unexpectedly creep up on us post-vacation or dismayed by a sudden diagnosis of high blood pressure or chronic inflammation. In these initial moments of unease and possibly even fear for our health, we make a vow to ourselves: to lose the extra weight, take our supplements, exercise more, avoid ultra-processed foods, and eat more beets!
WE TRY
We tell ourselves that we will try whatever it takes: We’ll try new recipes, try fitness routines, and try to get better-quality sleep. We’re really trying hard for a longer and healthier life.
But here’s the clincher: Healthy eating requires more than just trying to eat your fruits and veggies. Because there aren’t enough beets in the world that will lower your blood pressure if you don’t actually eat them.
BUT TRYING DOESN’T WORK
Unfortunately, many of us fail to reach our health goals due to one teeny-tiny three-letter word: try. To try is to half-heart our way to a goal. And if you want better heart health, trying is the last thing you should be doing. How ironic is that?
Trying, it turns out, is a poor substitute for doing—for the actual work it takes to achieve health and well-being.
- Trying reflects doubt and indecision. On the other hand, doing signals identity-based change. When you act in alignment with who you want to be, your habits tend to stick more easily. Trying: “I’m not sure I can eat healthy all the time.” Doing: “I’m someone who eats healthy.”
- Trying leaves room for excuses and blame. Saying, “I’ll try” gives your brain an easy out. It creates a mental loophole whereby, if you don’t follow through, it’s not a failure because you were only trying. Trying: “There weren’t any good food choices for me at the party, so I had to eat the items that were offered.” Doing: “I made sure to eat a protein-based snack that would hold me over until I had the opportunity to eat foods on my eating plan.”
- There’s no accountability in trying. When your motivation dips, holding yourself accountable will help keep momentum going and turn your goals into results. Trying: “I’m trying to lower my blood pressure; we’ll see how it goes.” Doing: “I’m taking control of my food choices with the goal of lowering my blood pressure. If I fail to maintain optimum food choices, I’ll consider taking blood pressure medicine.”
- Trying leads to failure. More often than not, when we try and fail, we tend to give up easily. When we do and fail (which is to be expected at some point), we typically learn the lesson and continue or pivot—we don’t lose sight of the goal. Trying: “I tried eating gluten-free, but it was just too hard to keep up with.” Doing: “I’m actively monitoring my gluten intake by checking labels and eliminating any foods that may trigger my sensitivity. I’m choosing foods that make me feel my best!”
- Trying activates struggle and uncertainty with a lower sense of control. Trying puts the focus on the effort rather than the outcome, which creates a mental resistance to the task at hand. Doing is a commitment to take action without overthinking any potential struggle, where you’re more focused on taking the next step. Trying: “Well, I’ll try to be more positive about my new boss, but it’s going to be a struggle because they really don’t know what they’re doing.” Doing: “I’ll practice being patient with my new boss because I understand that getting frustrated will not help the situation, and I want the transition to run smoothly.”
- Doing activates action and rewards because it’s rooted in decision, not struggle. When you do, you’re more prone to momentum and a focus on the future. Trying: “I’m trying to cut back on sugar.” Doing: “I don’t eat added sugar anymore.”
Whether you’re managing issues related to heart health, blood sugar and diabetes, mental health, weight management, digestive health, or any other symptom related to your food intake, you can make significant strides by adjusting your dietary habits. Food is a powerful tool for healing, prevention, and daily well-being.
DOING WILL BRING YOU CLOSER TO THE FINISH LINE
When you eliminate the option to try—and adopt the action to do—you’ll find yourself one step closer to living longer and feeling healthier.
So, eat those beets and be the person who packs a healthy snack if you’re uncertain about the availability of food choices that are right for you. Become a person who is confident in your ability to create meaningful change in your life—which is to say, stop trying and start doing right now!
