Alright, let’s get real for a moment. How often have you hesitated, knowing that there’s a big opportunity right in front of you, but something inside just holds you back? Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s doubt, or maybe it’s just that little voice whispering, “What if you fail?”
But here’s the thing—every time you don’t take that shot, you’re already deciding the outcome. And spoiler alert: the outcome is always a miss.
Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, didn’t become a legend by sitting back and letting opportunities pass. The quote, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” isn’t just a catchy line—it’s a mindset. It’s the mindset that fueled Gretzky’s incredible career. He knew that if he didn’t go for it, he’d never score.
It’s that simple.
The Champion’s Mindset
Look at Michael Jordan, another name synonymous with greatness. Jordan missed over 9,000 shots in his career. He lost nearly 300 games. But here’s the kicker: he’s also won six NBA championships. Jordan didn’t dwell on the shots he missed. He focused on taking the next shot, and the next, because he knew that the only way to make it was to keep shooting.
That’s the mindset of a champion.
Olympic athletes live by this principle too. Think about it. These athletes train for years, sometimes for a single moment. They push their limits, knowing full well that they might fail. But they also know that if they don’t give it their all, they’ve already lost. The gold medal isn’t just handed out—it’s earned by those who dare to take the shot, who step up when the pressure is on, and who are willing to risk failure for the chance at glory.
It’s All About the Mindset
So, what’s the lesson here?
The mindset behind “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” is all about embracing risk, understanding that failure is part of the journey, and recognizing that action—any action—is better than standing still.
Your fear of failure should never be greater than the desire to succeed.
Think about the last time you held back because you were afraid. What did that feel like afterward? Probably not great, right?
Now, think about the times you took a risk and it paid off, or even when it didn’t, but you learned something valuable. That’s the difference. When you act, you grow. When you hesitate, you stagnate.
Helping Your Team Improve Their Shots
Now, let’s talk about your team. How can you help them improve the “shots” they take?
- Encourage a Growth Mindset: Foster an environment where taking risks and making mistakes are seen as essential parts of the learning process. Celebrate the effort, not just the results.
- Create a Safe Space for Failure: People need to know that it’s okay to fail. If they fear retribution or ridicule, they’ll never take the shot. Show them that failure is just feedback, a stepping stone to success.
- Lead by Example: Take risks yourself. When your team sees you taking bold actions, they’ll be more likely to do the same. Share your own experiences with failure and how they’ve helped you grow.
- Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Help your team understand that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether they succeed or fail, what matters is that they took the shot and learned something along the way.
- Break Down the Big Shots: Big goals can be intimidating. Help your team break them down into smaller, more manageable actions. Each small step is a shot taken.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: When someone takes a shot and misses, don’t just point out what went wrong. Offer guidance on how they can improve their next attempt. Be supportive, not critical.
Time to Take the Shot
The next time you or someone on your team hesitates to take a shot, remember this: not taking the shot guarantees failure. You can’t score if you don’t shoot.
Embrace the mindset of champions like Gretzky and Jordan—keep taking the shot, keep pushing forward, and keep striving for greatness.
Remember, every shot you don’t take is a missed opportunity. But every shot you do take, no matter the outcome, is a step toward success.
