"I used to want the words “she tried” on my tombstone. Now I want “she did it”"

This quote speaks volumes about a journey from aspiration to achievement. Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and you're talking about how your goals have evolved over the years. That's exactly what this quote captures. It's about the shift from merely attempting to actually succeeding.

Let's break it down. The core idea here is about transformation. It's moving from a mindset of trying to one of accomplishment. Initially, the person felt that effort alone was enough—that trying was worthy of recognition. But over time, the focus shifted towards actual success, to having concrete results to show for their efforts.

To understand this better, let's dive into some context. This was said by an individual reflecting on their personal growth. Think about when you were younger. You might have been just happy that you participated, whether it was in a school play, a sports game, or a debate competition. But as you grow older, you start aiming for more. You want to win that game, nail that performance, or deliver that speech perfectly. It’s about setting higher standards for yourself as you progress in life.

Here’s a real-life example. Consider J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. She started writing the first book as a struggling single mother. Initially, her goal was simple—just try to write a book. She faced countless rejections from publishers. But she didn’t stop at trying. She persevered until she did it—until she got that first book published. And we all know what happened next: global success, millions of copies sold, movies, theme parks—the whole magical empire. She moved from “she tried” to “she did it.”

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by setting clear, actionable goals rather than vague aspirations. Instead of saying, "I want to try and get fit," say, "I will work out three times a week." It’s about making commitments to yourself that you can measure. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This will keep you motivated and focused on doing it, not just trying.

Imagine you’re working on a big project at your job. It’s daunting, and you’re not sure where to start. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the idea of trying to complete it, break it into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on completing each task one at a time. This approach not only makes the project seem less intimidating, but it also shifts your mindset from attempting to achieving. You’ll find that the satisfaction of ticking off each task builds momentum, and before you know it, you’re not just trying—you’re actually doing it.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Think about learning to play an instrument. At first, you might just want to try. You pick up the guitar or sit at the piano, and you fumble through the notes. But as you keep practicing, your goal shifts. Instead of merely trying, you aim to play that song flawlessly. You practice daily, seek feedback, and refine your skills. Eventually, you perform that piece beautifully in front of an audience. You've moved from "she tried" to "she did it."

In essence, this quote encourages us to transform our mindset. It's not enough to just attempt. We should aim to achieve. It’s a powerful reminder that our efforts should lead to tangible results. So, the next time you set a goal, don’t just think about trying. Picture yourself doing it. And then, go out and make it happen.