“Trying is Lying” is a practical and motivational book that challenges the idea that effort alone is enough to achieve success, particularly in sales. Tim Savage presents a compelling argument that “trying” is often an excuse for not reaching goals, and true success only comes from concrete action and accountability. He shares personal stories and actionable advice, encouraging readers to shift from a mindset of trying to one of doing. The book offers a roadmap for both sales professionals and anyone seeking to improve their results in any aspect of life.
Audio review of the book:
Key Takeaways:
- “Trying” is an excuse: Savage argues that claiming to “try” without achieving results is a form of self-deception and an avoidance of true accountability.
- Action is everything: In sales, success is measured by tangible outcomes, such as setting the next meeting or closing the deal. If you’re not actively pushing for the next step, you’re not really selling.
- Sales is about doing, not hoping: Relying on hope or chance is not a strategy. Savage emphasizes that continuous action—planning, follow-up, and execution—is what leads to success.
- Accountability and self-reflection: The book encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions, learn from failures, and stop justifying lack of progress with “I tried.”
- Tools and processes matter: Utilizing CRM systems, documenting every interaction, and maintaining a detailed process are critical to keeping track of prospects and deals, ensuring no opportunity is lost.
- Practical advice for success: Savage provides specific steps for improving sales performance, including the importance of consistent follow-up, setting clear next steps, and staying organized in tracking progress.
- Applicable to life beyond sales: While the book focuses on sales, its principles of accountability, persistence, and action can be applied to personal development, relationships, and any goal-oriented pursuit.
Main Bullet Points:
- “Trying” is a self-deceptive excuse; success comes from measurable actions.
- Sales is about moving prospects forward by booking the next meeting and following up.
- Hope is not a strategy—consistent action is key to achieving goals.
- Accountability and ownership of failures lead to growth and future success.
- CRM systems and process organization are crucial to maintaining momentum in sales.
- Practical, actionable advice can be applied to both sales and life goals.
Trying is Lying is a powerful reminder that success is achieved through consistent action, not excuses, and serves as a motivational guide for anyone looking to move beyond effort and achieve real results.
“Trying is Lying” by Tim Savage is a thought-provoking and motivational exploration of the dangers of relying on effort without results, particularly in the sales industry. At its core, the book challenges the commonly accepted notion that simply “trying” is enough. Savage asserts that attempting without achieving is a form of self-deception, especially in environments where tangible outcomes, like closing deals or booking meetings, are the only true measures of success.
Throughout the book, Savage reinforces the idea that sales, much like life, is not about how much effort you put in, but about whether you deliver. The phrase “Trying is Lying” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a mindset shift that demands accountability and ownership of one’s actions and results. Savage emphasizes that in sales, if you’re not actively moving a prospect to the next stage, like scheduling the next meeting, you’re not truly selling. You’re simply hoping for a response, and as Savage aptly states, “hope is not a strategy.”
Savage’s approach blends practical advice with personal anecdotes, highlighting how his own relentless focus on action—not excuses—led him through numerous challenges in his sales career. Whether making cold calls, managing CRM systems, or following up with prospects, Savage shows how consistency, determination, and attention to detail can turn sales attempts into successes. He emphasizes that the secret to growth lies in constant action: setting the next meeting, noting every conversation, and always having a clear next step in mind.
While the book is primarily centered on sales, its lessons are applicable to life as a whole. Savage effectively argues that “trying” is an excuse that allows people to justify failure without learning from it. Instead, he encourages readers to dissect their failures, understand the missed steps, and use those insights to push forward. This philosophy is especially compelling in today’s culture, where effort is often praised, even when it doesn’t lead to concrete results. Savage’s message is clear: effort is only valuable when it produces outcomes.
One of the book’s strengths is its pragmatic approach. Savage doesn’t just philosophize about the importance of action—he provides actionable steps for readers to follow. He stresses the importance of tools like CRM systems and detailed record-keeping to track every interaction and create a clear path toward success. This structured approach to sales allows for continuous improvement and ensures that no opportunity is lost due to a lack of follow-up or planning.
Savage’s personal stories, particularly his experiences of failure, are candid and relatable, adding depth to his argument that success comes not from trying but from doing. He shares moments of struggle, from building a business in his parents’ basement to losing deals, yet his focus on learning from those experiences rather than justifying them with “I tried” sets this book apart from other sales manuals.
In essence, Trying is Lying is a guide for anyone tired of relying on effort without seeing results. Savage’s book is a call to action, pushing readers to stop making excuses and start delivering results—whether in sales, personal development, or any goal-oriented endeavor. It’s a refreshing, no-nonsense take on how to achieve success, one action at a time.