Try and Try Again

“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times.”

― Mark Twain

This quote from the celebrated humorist, is indeed comical when taken at face value.  But have you considered that if you try - and fail - that does not indicate the measure of a man (or woman)?  The virtue is in the trying, not in the ultimate success.  The trying (to quit smoking or overeating or whatever) implies several things: (a) that you recognize that something is amiss; (b) that you wish to follow a different path, a healthier path; (c) that you are ready to make an effort.  Trying is a high-level condition.  Celebrate it; embrace it; accept it; include it - it is part of who you are, a testament to your ambition to change into a better human being.  If you ever doubt it, consider the untiring efforts made by the likes of Edison and Lincoln.

Don't ever quit.  Keep trying!