Try, Try, Try Again - Is it Worth It?

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Updated 4 years ago

You heard it before – “if you don’t first succeed, try, try again.” Don’t give up too soon, persist and you will succeed in the end. Originally an 18th century maxim used to encourage American schoolchildren to their homework, this little saying has both inspired and frustrated thousands upon thousands.

From books to movies we have been inspired by the epic hero or heroine who struggles to overcome great obstacles to finally win in the end. Unfortunately, today that it seems more like “If you first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Then quit. There’s no use getting obstinate about it.” Sadly, there seems to be a trend that it’s simply OK not to be the best you can be – because you were never were going to be any better.

What would have happened throughout the ages if more had, just accepted the way things are? We most likely wouldn’t have experienced many of the mankind induced tragedies. The tradeoff would be, that we would still be hanging out on some weather-beaten shoreline waiting for a fish to wash up for dinner. Instead of sitting on a stool in an air-conditioned room, next to a food bar, waiting for our favorite chef to impress us with their latest sushi creation, while jamming on our favorite tune that we just downloaded.

While some see to have the uncanny ability to jump right in, to steam ahead without any care, damn the torpedoes so to speak, to take on any challenge. Many are much timidly, deciding either to not risk it or if they do, to do so by cautiously putting that first toe into the water.

Here at WA, I’ve displayed over the years a range of behaviors. First jumping in – then when I was overcome by events, dropping back to, well maybe someday. Then to more recently taking a careful not to miss anything - step by step approach to read, listen and learn. This time around I am trying to learn from other’s successes and even at time, failures.

Amazing no matter my approach, the WA community has been there to offer support for whatever mood that I found myself. Thank you, WA, for being there throughout this journey of try, try again for not only myself, but for thousands of others who dare not just to sit idling by. And for those who dare to take at least that small timid first step to change things and with the help of the community reach that finish line on the other shore.

Is it worth it? Well yes, especially if you rather try to learn to swim with only a hope that you will make something happen instead of the crowd who waits on that shore for something to just wash up.