Do Something or Don’t Do It — There Is No “Should”

I love watching movies with historical significance, and one that really resonated with me is Amistad, directed by Steven Spielberg. If you haven’t seen it, the film tells the story of a slave ship intercepted by the U.S. Navy in the mid-1800s and the legal battle that follows over who owns the ship and its captives. It’s a powerful story about justice, humanity, and freedom — definitely worth watching.

About halfway through the movie, Matthew McConaughey’s character, a lawyer, wins the case for the group of enslaved Africans, granting them their freedom. Everyone begins to celebrate. But then, it’s explained — through a translator — that the decision can still be appealed. The main character becomes angry and confused. He was told that if they won the case, they would be free. Why isn’t that true?

McConaughey’s character responds, “What I should have said to you…” But the translator hesitates. He says, “I cannot translate that. There is no word for should in his language. You either do something or you don’t do it — there is no should.”

I love that moment. Imagine if, in our lives and our businesses, there were no words like should, try, want, wish, or hope. Wouldn’t it be great if we simply did something or didn’t do it? If we decided — clearly and confidently — to act or not to act?

This is a powerful mindset when it comes to setting goals and achieving results, both personally and professionally. Remove words like more, better, try, and should from your vocabulary. Be active and intentional with your language.
Do something or don’t do it.
Be something or don’t be it.
Achieve something or don’t achieve it.

Use words that drive action and create outcomes.

Trade every should for a will — that’s when things start moving in the right direction.

As Yoda wisely said, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

So until next time — here’s to you and your commitment to doing.

One Quarter Turn at a Time

 

Action Step this week

For the next seven days, pay attention to the words you use when you talk about your goals or tasks. Every time you catch yourself saying, “I should do that” or “I’ll try to…,” rephrase it as a commitment:

Instead of “I should work out,” say “I will work out.”

Instead of “I’ll try to finish the project,” say “I will finish the project.”

Language shapes mindset — when you replace hesitation with action-oriented words, your brain begins to follow through.

 

Thoughts for the week:

 

“Nothing changes with should. Everything changes with will.”- Unknown

 

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” –Johann Wolfgan Von Goeth

 

“The path to success is to take massive, determined action.”- Tony Robbins

Looking forward to our next connection

Coach Tim