Why Trying is Ruining You | Carla Ondrasik

What It Covers

Carla Ondrasik, former EMI VP and author, explains how the word "try" functions as procrastination disguised as effort, creating neurochemical false rewards while preventing actual progress toward goals and damaging personal credibility.

Key Questions Answered

• •Neurochemical deception: Saying "I'm trying" triggers dopamine and serotonin hits that mimic accomplishment without action, fooling the brain into satisfaction while nothing gets done, leading to eventual regret and negative self-talk when results never materialize.
• •The try test exercise: Hold up a finger and follow three commands: touch your nose, don't touch your nose, then try to touch your nose. The awkward confusion reveals how the brain cannot process "try" as a clear directive.
• •Reputational accountability tool: When someone says they'll try, immediately respond with "Will you or won't you? I need to know." This forces commitment, programs their brain for action, and eliminates the wiggle room that prevents follow-through on promises.
• •Action precedes motivation: Completing one small task like cleaning a glove compartment (eight minutes) creates momentum and desire to continue. Waiting for motivation before acting keeps people stuck in the try zone indefinitely, never building the confidence that comes from completion.