"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." ~ Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky was taking about hockey. A Hall of Famer, he's been called the greatest hockey player ever. But I also think he was talking about life. To accomplish anything, we first have to try.
That means there is a risk of failure. But to not try is pretty much an assurance of failure.
- You'll keep 100% of the pounds you don't try to lose.
- You'll live with 100% of the clutter you don't pick up and put away.
- You'll learn nothing from 100% of the books you never read.
- You'll miss responses to 100% of the prayers you never pray.
- You won't remember 100% of the verses you never memorize.
- You won't complete 100% of the classes you never sign up for.
One hundred percent of the products you don't make will not sell. Not a single person will read a single blog post you don't write. And no one will come to a party you never throw. Because you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Gretzky also said, "Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and it's toll on success and happiness is heavy." So when I feel I'm lacking in success happiness I have to pause and ask myself ...
Is that because I'm not getting around to taking any shots at it?
Take a shot at it today. Take another shot tomorrow. And another next week.
Sure, we might miss. We might even miss a lot. But odds are, if we keep shooting, we'll also make a few.
Thanks so much for the kick start that I needed.
ReplyDeleteI clearly take risks in my profession and step out of the box for growth sake and feel that is the only way creativity can be achieved, but I never conseider that in my 'outside of work' life: pounds not shed, classes not signed up for, friends not contacted by me. Thanks for the motivation to take that shot.
Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad this post helped you think outside your work life to consider how you can create the kind of life you want to live. That's terrific.
DeleteTake that shot!