I recently saw a window sticker on a friends car, a picture of Yoda with his words of wisdom “Do or do not… there is no try” This made me think on how Star Wars can motivate us to live better lives and the lessons that can be found in a galaxy far, far away.  I have seen all 8 movies in the Star Wars saga and in the last few years I’ve introduced my boys to the Force. So after having Yoda speak to me from the rear window of Deana’s car I decided to research Star Wars quotes and here are a few that inspired me.

1. “Do or do not… there is no try.” – Yoda

Commit to the life you want to live – and live it!

We can spend our entire lives struggling to make decisions, frozen in fear, fighting uncertainty. However, in life, nothing is certain. We can either waste precious time in limbo or make a decision and stick with it!

2. “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader

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

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…

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

Don’t lie to yourself. We usually already know what the right thing to do is.

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.

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

Often success stems from overcoming failures.

Success cannot flourish without hard work. It is found only through trial and error, profound dedication, and the ability to see setbacks as stepping stones towards later victory.

5. “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

Don’t let fear guide your life.

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.

6. “Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn

Our thoughts and actions impact our future.

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.

After 8 movies I’m sure that there are many more and I imagine all die hard Star Wars  fans have their own force scripture to live by.  So “Trust the Force”(Lyra Erso) as you  go forth into a galaxy far far away.