Obi Wan Kenobi may have spent 20 or so years stuck in a dessert vaguely watching after Luke Skywalker, but before and after that time he was a font of wisdom. Some of that likely rubbed off from Yoda, who despite not speaking with proper syntax had a lot of profound things to say.
Applying Jedi wisdom in your day-to-day life may not be easy, but it’s the spirit of what the Jedi Masters have to say that matters.
“Only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes.”
–Obi Wan Kenobi
What it means: While your unlikely to run into a Sith Lord at work or during your day to day struggles the idea that nothing is absolute holds true in business, relationships, and life in general.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
–Yoda
What it means: In the Star Wars world this is part of the Jedi code. In the real world, it’s actually a reasonable mantra. Acting out of fear, anger, or hate almost never results in something positive happening.
“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.”
–Yoda
What it means: When grandma dies, celebrate her life rather than wallowing in her death.
“It’s over, Anakin. I have the high ground.”
–Obi Wan Kenobi
What it means: Kenobi was referring to the fact that he had gotten the better of Anakin Skywalker in their lightsaber duel and his position on the high ground meant he had one. Anakin did not concede defeat, had his legs chopped off and was melted nearly to death before being rescued by the Emperor and turned into Darth Vader. Had he conceded that the fight was lost he may have spared himself that pain and lived to fight another dat.
“Use the Force, Luke.”
–Obi Wan Kenobi
What it means: While you probably cannot call on the Force to help you blow up the proverbial Death Star in your life, you can slow down, calm down, and confidently complete whatever task you are undertaking.
“Always pass on what you have learned.”
–Yoda
What it means: Unless you’re a self-taught genius, you probably had some teachers and mentors along the way. Remember the ones who went above and beyond to teach you and pass on their lessons to others.
“You must unlearn what you have learned.”
–-Yoda
What it means: Sometimes changing is harder than learning something in the first place.
“Do or do not, there is no try.”
–Yoda
What it means: Stop thinking that just trying is good enough. It’s not about effort, it’s about results.