May the Fourth Be With You Archives

Commit to the life that you want to live – then live it.

“Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back

We can spend our entire lives debating actions and, frozen in fear, fighting uncertainty. Yet, in life, nothing is certain. We can either waste precious time in limbo or make a decision and stick with it! Just start.

If you’ve fallen off track, just restart. Try again. You’re mindset should rejoice in success or learn from failure.

Surround yourself with people who are supportive of and believe in you.

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader in A New Hope

Even the great Lord Vader needed supportive people around him. There is absolutely no reason to waste your time and energy on people who bring you down. Rather, fill your life with the believers and doers, people who inspire you and bring positive energy to your life. Otherwise, you may resort to the dark side…

Don’t lie to yourself. You usually already know what you should be doing.

“Already know you, that which you need.” – Yoda

Listen to your heart, The Force, and your conscience. Listen to that Yoda voice you hear as you fall asleep or the nagging thoughts that simply won’t go away. Though the road ahead seems perilous, the solution is within. You know what you should be doing, just do it.

Don’t let the impossible hold you back.

“Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1,” stated C-3PO.

“Never tell me the odds!” retorted Han Solo

(The Empire Strikes Back)

Even if an asteroid field is hurling towards you and your odds of success are 3,720 to 1, don’t let this daunting ratio prevent you from following your heart.

If people aren’t laughing at your dreams, your dreams are NOT big enough. You should be striving for big hairy audacious dreams. Seriously.

Success often stems from overcoming failures.

“Strike me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” – Obi- Wan Kenobi in A New Hope

Success cannot flourish without hard work. Losing weight is hard, but being obese for a lifetime is even harder. Success is only found through trial and error, profound dedication, and the ability to see setbacks as stepping stones towards later victory.

You may have to learn 301 ways that don’t work before you try the 302nd method that is successful.

Do not let fear guide your life

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda in The Phantom Menace

Fear cripples us from doing what needs to be done. It prevents us from becoming the people we’re meant to be. It isolates us from others and makes us scared of those we do not understand. Historically speaking, fear has fueled many wars, genocides, persecutions, and riots. Clearly, Yoda was onto something. What are you actually afraid of?

Humor goes a long way

(As the garbage compactor closes in on Luke and Han Solo) “One thing’s for sure, we’re all gonna be a lot thinner.” – Han Solo in A New Hope

When things get tough, it’s natural to freak out. However, freaking out isn’t the most productive or efficient way to solve a problem. Humor lightens the mood and allows everyone time to regroup and reassess the situation. It also keeps spirits high, enabling people to do what needs to be done. Plus, girls dig a guy who can crack a joke every now and again.

Humor is a method of alleviating stress and giving your brain a chance to reset for success.

Thoughts and actions directly impact the future

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.

What we spend our days thinking about, and actively pursuing, directly affects our future (for better or worse). Considering this, we should invest our time and energy into the things and people we’re passionate about, and the dreams we have, rather than focusing on the negative or filling our lives with empty distractions.