"For us there is only the trying the rest is not our business"

The essence of this quote is all about focusing on the effort you put into something rather than obsessing over the outcome. It's like saying, "Just give it your best shot, and don’t worry too much about what happens next." The idea is that we can only control our actions and intentions. The results? Not so much.

So, where did this come from? It’s from T.S. Eliot, a famous poet. He wrote a lot about human nature, our struggles, and our attempts to make sense of a chaotic world. This quote reflects his philosophical outlook—that life is more about the journey and less about the destination. By focusing on the effort, we can find a sense of purpose and avoid getting bogged down by results that are, often, out of our control.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to bring this home. Think about an athlete training for the Olympics. Imagine all those early morning runs, the grueling gym sessions, and the strict dietary plans. They’re putting in all this effort, but the reality is, there’s only one gold medal. If they only focused on that medal, they’d probably get overwhelmed by anxiety and pressure. But if they focus on their daily practice, their effort, they not only improve but also find joy and growth in the process. Win or lose, they’ve already succeeded in pushing their limits.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start with small things. Maybe you’ve got a big presentation at work. Instead of stressing out about how it’ll be received, focus on preparing the best you can. Research, practice, and put your heart into it. The rest? Out of your hands. Or perhaps you’re learning to play the guitar. Don’t stress about mastering a song perfectly on the first go. Just keep playing, keep trying. The progress will come naturally.

Let me share a story that might resonate. Picture a young artist, Emma. She’s passionate about painting but is constantly worried about whether anyone will like her work. Every brushstroke is filled with anxiety. Then one day, her mentor tells her, "For us, there is only the trying; the rest is not our business." It hits her. She starts painting for the love of it, for the joy of creating. She stops worrying about whether her paintings will sell or get likes on social media. Over time, she finds her style, her voice, and ironically, people start noticing her work more and more because it’s authentic and filled with passion.

In essence, the key takeaway here is to shift your focus. We often get paralyzed by fear of failure or the desire for success. By anchoring ourselves in the effort rather than the outcome, we not only reduce stress but also open ourselves up to growth and unexpected opportunities. So next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember Eliot’s words. Just try. The rest isn’t your business.