You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

We’ve all been there—standing at the crossroads of a life-altering decision, our hearts pounding, our minds racing with ‘what ifs.’ The fear of failure or even the fear of success can make us freeze in our tracks, leading us to pass up opportunities that could potentially change our lives for the better. In moments like these, 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.”

This quote is a potent reminder of the power that lies in taking risks, embracing challenges, and seizing opportunities. It nudges us to step out of our comfort zones and venture into the unknown, for it’s often there that we find the most growth and fulfilment. In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the layers of wisdom wrapped up in these simple words, exploring why taking that ‘shot’—be it in our careers, relationships, or personal growth—is often the first step towards a richer, more fulfilling life.

Real-life Applications

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, the principle holds true. Let’s look at some areas where taking your ‘shot’ can make a significant difference.

Career

• Taking Initiative: Proactively taking on new projects at work, even if they seem daunting, can demonstrate leadership qualities and provide opportunities for professional growth.
• Applying for Opportunities: 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.
• Starting a Business: The risk here is high, but so is the potential reward. Often, the biggest hurdle is taking that first step—whether it’s registering your business, making that initial investment, or quitting your day job.

Personal Relationships

• Making the First Move: 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.’
• Setting Boundaries: It can be challenging to express your needs or set boundaries with family or friends. Yet, doing so is vital for healthy relationships and personal well-being.

Learning and Personal Growth

• Picking Up a New Skill or Hobby: 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.
• Traveling: Visiting new places exposes you to different cultures, broadens your perspective, and challenges you in unexpected ways. The risk of stepping out of your comfort zone can often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.

Missing Out vs. Failing

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. The answer may seem obvious, but the psychology behind these two scenarios can offer enlightening insights into human behavior.

The Weight of Regret

• Missing Out: Not taking a shot at an opportunity may seem like the safe option, but it often leads to a particular kind of regret—a gnawing ‘what if’ that can haunt you for years to come. This form of regret can be especially burdensome because it is tied to a void, an unknown potential that was never realized.
• Failing: On the flip side, if you do take your shot and fail, that failure might sting and possibly even set you back. However, this type of regret often diminishes over time as the failure turns into a lesson learned, enriching your life experience and often guiding you towards future successes.

The Gift of Experience

• Missing Out: 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.
• Failing: Failure, while difficult in the moment, can be an incredible learning opportunity. Each failure comes with its set of lessons that can help you navigate future challenges more effectively. In this way, even a miss can become a setup for a future hit.

Shifting the Perspective

Rather than viewing these situations as a binary choice between success and failure, consider adopting a ‘win-win’ perspective. In this light, you either succeed in your endeavor, or you learn something valuable. Either outcome has its merits, and neither leaves you where you started.

As Wayne Gretzky’s famous quote reminds us, the biggest failure of all may be the failure to try. By not taking your shot, you seal your fate to a guaranteed miss. But by stepping up and taking that risk, you open yourself up to new avenues, whether they lead to success or offer valuable lessons from failure.

Conclusion

As we navigate the labyrinth of life, opportunities for growth, love, and success often present themselves in the form of ‘shots’—chances we can either take or let pass us by. The essence of Wayne Gretzky’s profound statement, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” serves as a timeless reminder that the act of trying is a victory in itself.