For Us, There Is Only the Trying. The Rest Is Not Our Business. (T.S. Eliot)


I’ve always been drawn to quotes that cut through the noise of everyday life, especially those that remind us to focus on what we can control. T.S. Eliot’s line—“For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.”—hits me every time I read it.

It’s not some flashy motivational slogan; it’s a quiet nudge to embrace the process without getting lost in the what-ifs. In a world where we’re bombarded with success stories and highlight reels, Eliot’s words feel like a breath of fresh air—or maybe a reality check.

Think about it: we’re wired to chase results. In my line of work, trading financial markets, it’s easy to get obsessed with the scoreboard—those green profits or red losses staring back from the screen. Did this strategy pay off? Will the market swing my way? I’ve caught myself spiraling into that anxiety more times than I’d like to admit.

But Eliot pulls us back: the real power lies in the effort, the daily grind of showing up, analyzing, and making the call. Once you’ve put in the work—studied the charts, weighed the fundamentals, placed your trade—the outcome isn’t yours to micromanage. It’s liberating, really, to let go and trust that consistent trying builds something lasting.

This mindset isn’t about giving up ambition; it’s about redirecting it wisely. I’ve seen it play out in trading rooms and personal projects alike. The artist who sketches day after day, not knowing if anyone will notice. The entrepreneur who tweaks their pitch, even when doors slam shut. They’re all in the arena, trying.

And that’s where the growth happens—not in the applause, but in the quiet persistence. So next time you’re staring down uncertainty, remember: show up, give it your best shot, and let the rest unfold.

Who knows? That magic might just sneak up on you when you’re too busy trying to notice.