If You Won’t Try, You Can’t Do

It’s a cliché. “If you never try, you will never know.” “Fear is the mind-killer.” “You must face your fear to succeed.” There are many ways to say it. But it’s hard to live that way.

These days, many people are living in fear–political, existential, and economic fear. They are paralyzed by it. So many people have said something to me akin to, “But what can I do? It’s hopeless.” “The odds against me are too great.” Yes. They are right. Absolutely right. But. This approach is not going to solve the problem. It will just leave you mired in a swamp of despair and sinking. It is the mental trap that is the Weakest Link.

The solution is also well known: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Chapter 64 of the Tao Te Ching ascribed to Laozi. Yoda also said it: “Do or do not. There is no try.” So, what’s my point in this column? It’s simple: control your mind, control your fear, and you can achieve wonders. An example from my own life may help motivate you.

Over a year ago, on October 7, 2023, a disaster hit Israel and my family, some of whom live there. I was immobilized with fear for mine. Then, about a week later, a group of Christian motorcyclists who did not know me, but knew I was a Jew, saw me and stopped me. We talked, and they prayed for my family. Somehow, that motivated me. The next day I began a 75-day sprint to organize a motorcycle ride in support of Israel and raise money for the Magen David Adom (the Israeli Red Cross). I had never done anything like that and did not know anyone who had done anything similar, but I had to try. I solicited support from motorcycle dealers, motorcycle clubs, any business, and any person I could think of. It was almost like marketing my old law firm. And it worked. On February 25, 2024, the ride happened. Forty-four motorcyclists went on a 90-mile run showing support, flying flags, and raising money for charity.

It was such a success that I was asked if I would do it again. So I did. But worked even harder at it. So, this year, on February 22, 2025, we did it again. This time, with 53 motorcyclists, more sponsors, and raising even more money. Now, people want me to do it a third time.

I did not believe it could be done, did not believe I could do it, but once I took the first step, the next came logically and easily. Laozi was right. The longest journey begins with but a single step. You, too, can do it. You just have to overcome the fear of failure – the trap of the Weakest Link.