From "The Empire Strikes Back"We often judge people and situation by what we see or what we've been told before. However, the reality may (and often do) differ from the 'image' we have in our mind. Humans tend to fall into confirmation bias, pushing themselves far into the wrong reality. Hence, it is extremely important to always allow the possibility of misperception.

Judge me by my size, do you?

From "The Phantom Menace"The famous qoute of Jedi master is often understood as the description of the 'dark path'. However, what's important is that anger and hate is not necessarily directed outside. For instance, when we fear changing or trying new things and it makes our life less pleasant, we may start blaming ourself, feeling anger slowly turning into self-hate (which may lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression).

Fear is the path to the dark side…fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

From "The Empire Strikes Back"Historically, people have tried to exalt themselves by abasement of others. Even now we honor those who unleashed wars with thousands and millions of victims, and the rulers who succeeded in wars are considered great.According to Yoda, greatness doesn't come with war, and we can use it in everyday life, when we find ourselves in conflict with someone.

Wars not make one great.

From "The Empire Strikes Back"This line is spoken by Yoda after Luke refused to lift the starship out of the swamp: "Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different".According to Yoda, we are capable of much more, but barriers in our mind prevent us from doing it. Great achievements come with belief.

No. No different. Only different in your mind.

From "The Empire Strikes Back"When a person gives an attempt, she also keeps the failure in her head. A person who firmly decides to solve a problem focuses entirely on a successful result.Now, backed by science we know that brain has a powerful instrument called reticular activating system which filters our reality. Focusing on success shall find the ways to get it, while focusing on failure shall find the obstacles.

Do. Or do not. There is no try.

It is not necessary to read scientific or business literature to learn new things. Movies also provide excellent food for thought and I manage to find answers to my questions in unexpected places.

The StarWars.com 10: Best Yoda Quotes | StarWars.com

Oleg Vayner