The words of Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time, resonate loudly: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
The beauty of this quote lies in its universal applicability. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a college student, or someone navigating the intricacies of personal relationships.
Proactively taking on new projects at work, even if they seem daunting, can demonstrate leadership qualities and provide opportunities for professional growth.
If there’s a job or promotion you’re eyeing but feel slightly unqualified for, go ahead and apply. You may not tick every box, but showing the initiative can be just as valuable.
Whether it’s asking someone out or expressing your feelings, taking that initial step can be scary but also potentially rewarding. Even if things don’t pan out as you’d hoped, you gain clarity and can move forward without lingering ‘what ifs.’
Always wanted to play the guitar, learn a new language, or start painting? The first step is often the hardest, but you’ll never know what you can accomplish until you try.
One of the most significant dilemmas we face when standing on the brink of a new opportunity is whether it’s worse to try and fail or to never try at all.
When you avoid taking risks, you also miss out on gaining any experience—positive or negative—that could contribute to your personal and professional growth. You remain stagnant, unable to move forward or back.