For years, I tried to lose weight and get healthy…and for years, I FAILED! Why? My heart wasn’t in it! Then I had a number of things happen in my life that made me realize, “trying” wasn’t going to cut it. I needed to buckle down and actually do the work needed to become healthy. I needed to START “training” and STOP “trying”
In our quest for success, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of trying, hoping, and wishing for our goals to materialize. We desire success, yet we neglect the essential element that can transform our dreams into reality: training. The shift from “trying” to “training” is more than just a change in mindset; it is a profound shift in commitment and dedication.
I want to take some time to dive into what I discovered when I started the shift from TRYING to TRAINING and why I believe training is the key to unlocking success. Our training has the power to set apart those who merely try from those of us who achieve greatness.
The Illusion of Trying:
When we say we’re “trying” to achieve a goal, it often implies a lack of certainty or commitment. Trying can be associated with making attempts without a clear plan or strategy, hoping for favorable outcomes, but without the necessary effort or discipline. It gives us an excuse for not fully committing ourselves to the hard work required to succeed. Trying becomes a comfortable cushion for failure, shielding us from the fear of fully investing in our goals.
The Power of Training:
Training, on the other hand, is a deliberate and purposeful approach to achieving success. Training requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to put in the necessary work consistently. When we train, we adopt a growth mindset, recognizing that progress comes from continuous learning, practice, and refinement. Training is not limited to physical pursuits; it can be applied to any area of life where we seek improvement.
Setting Clear Goals:
One of the key distinctions between trying and training is the level of clarity in goal-setting. When we merely try, our goals tend to be vague and undefined. However, when we train, we set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. By defining our objectives with precision, we can design training regimens tailored to our individual needs, fostering focus, motivation, and a sense of purpose.
Embracing Discipline and Consistency:
Trying may involve sporadic bursts of effort, driven by momentary inspiration or external pressure. Training, on the other hand, emphasizes discipline and consistency. It involves creating daily habits and routines that support our goals, even when motivation wanes. Training instills a sense of accountability to ourselves and our aspirations, leading to incremental progress over time.
Embodying a Growth Mindset:
Trying is often rooted in fixed thinking, where setbacks and failures are seen as indications of our limitations. Conversely, training cultivates a growth mindset, which embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. By viewing setbacks as stepping stones and feedback for improvement, we develop resilience and perseverance, enabling us to overcome obstacles on our path to success.
Seeking Mastery:
When we commit to training, we pursue mastery rather than mere competence. Trying is content with achieving minimal standards, while training pushes us to continually raise the bar of our performance. Training involves seeking feedback, learning from experts, and consistently striving for improvement. It is the mindset of those who are willing to invest the time and effort required to become true masters in their chosen field.
Wisdom From The Word:
God’s Word offers valuable insights and teachings that align with the idea of training to succeed rather than merely trying. By being faithful in our walk with Christ, seeking His guidance and wisdom, and aligning our goals with His plan for our life, we can crush any milestone or goal we set!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” ~ Colossians 3:23-24
Here, God emphasizes the importance of wholehearted effort and commitment in all our endeavors. We are encouraged to approach our work and pursuits with dedication and excellence, recognizing that our ultimate reward comes from serving God faithfully.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
~ Proverbs 21:5
This verse speaks to the significance of diligent planning and consistent effort. Success is more likely to come when we are diligent, focused, and willing to put in the necessary work over time, rather than when we rush or approach our goals haphazardly.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13
God’s strength and empowerment can help us overcome challenges and achieve what may seem impossible. He wants us to rely on His guidance and assistance as we train and work towards our goals.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” ~ Hebrews 12:11
Discipline has long-term benefits. The training process may involve hardships and discomfort, but God assures us that the outcome is worthwhile. Through disciplined training, we are able to develop good habits that build integrity, morals, and inner peace within us.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24
God (through Paul) compares the pursuit of success to a race and encourages us to approach it with a mindset focused on winning. He urges us to strive for excellence and run the race of life with determination and purpose, giving our best effort to achieve the goals we set…but more importantly …the ultimate prize (a blessed eternity with Him).
God highlights the importance of diligent effort, discipline, and seeking His strength as we train and work towards the milestones and goals we set. Our pursuit of success is not solely for personal gain but should be done with a mindset of service and for the glory of God.
Bottom Line Y’all…
To achieve success, we gotta go beyond merely trying and embrace the transformative power of training. Trying is rooted in desire, while training is grounded in a conscious decision to take action. It is through training that we develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to overcome challenges, exceed expectations, and unlock our true potential.
So, let us shift our focus from trying to training and embark on a journey of growth, determination, and achievement. Remember, anyone can try, but only the determined few will be willing to put in the work and train to succeed. Are you ready to train for success?
Mitch Fairchild 
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