If you’re a Star Wars fan, you will probably (1) love this post, and (2) be able to give your own colorful play-by-play of the classic scene from Star Wars Episode V, where Yoda asks Luke Skywalker to use the force to pull their spaceship out of the water. Alas, Luke believes it’s impossible, and walks away from the challenge. *Cue Yoda face palm.*
We pulled our four favorite quotes from the scene, and if you apply them to your career, you might just see the force awakened in YOU! (Yes, we know it’s cheesy, but these parallels are just too good.)
-
“It’s not different, just different in your mind.”
In the past, Luke had been able to move stones by using the force…but a spaceship? As people progress in their careers, they often encounter more challenging projects than they’re used to, which can be daunting. But whether you’re giving a routine presentation or running a billion-dollar company, it’s not the size of the challenge that matters the most…it’s your mindset.
-
“You must unlearn what you have learned.”
Luke let himself believe that some tasks were too large for him, and that held him back. Many people hold on to certain ideas they’ve learned throughout school, work and life, which limits them. Be flexible and open-minded; no matter what stage you’re at in your career, be willing to unlearn ideas that hinder your growth as a professional and as a person, and pick up new ones that make you better.
-
“Do, or do not. There is no try.”
Vernacular matters. Revamp your vocabulary, and you’ll alter your achievement. “Trying” leaves the door open for failure; “doing” ensures action takes place.
-
“Not believing is why you fail.”
Although Luke said he couldn’t lift the spaceship from the water, Yoda proved he could, simply by believing it. No matter how big the task, the first step is to believe you can do it; the rest will fall into place.
