"You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Wayne Gretzky
I’ll admit it; I'm a hockey fan. My sons are to blame - they played hockey, and they got me hooked. So it’s no surprise that this quote by Mr. Gretzky, aka hockey’s The Great One, caught my eye while at the bank.
Our bank posts inspirational quotes on a message board in the lobby. As a writer, these mind joggers provide food for thought. One seldom sees quotes from hockey players, too, so it was a nice surprise. I chuckled as I left the bank and continued to mull over these words of hockey wisdom.
Mr. Gretzky’s words make sense; if you don’t shoot, you won’t score. If you don’t score, you won’t have a shot at winning the game. So, I pondered - how does this apply to life? If we don’t try, we can’t fail. But, if we don’t try, we don’t learn. And if we don’t try, we can’t succeed.
I wondered, how many shots am I missing because I fail to make an effort? How many writing opportunities do I pass by because I think I don’t have enough experience? What part of my calling hasn’t been fulfilled yet because I am afraid to step out, or invest the necessary time to grow?
Life has its challenges and surprises, hills and valleys, and days where we don’t want to take shots at anything. If we believe our steps to be ordered by the Lord, though, then He can lead and show us which shots to take. I don’t want to miss the benefits of the journey by not taking shots. Do you?
What do you think of Mr. Gretzky's advice?
Happy weekend,
Karen
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
I think it's spot on. I don't believe we should leave our lives in the hands of anyone, whether it be a real person, or on faith. We make our own choices and pave our own paths. If faith is there to guide you, then that's the only thing, I believe it is going to do: guide you. Choice will not be made for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat food for thought!
Hi Karen .. exactly .. if we don't try we'll never get there .. practise, practise, practise and never give up .. the harder we work the luckier we'll get ..
ReplyDeleteSo keep on hitting 'dem hockey shots' ... absolutely right on Mr Gretzky .. Cheers Hilary
Karen, I LOVE this. I'm going to share it on Facebook. I was trying to get up my gumption to pick up the phone and follow up on one of those packets I sent out last week.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI think we need to be proactive with our writing. Our manuscripts won't place themselves in the agent's hands, now will they? :)
Hilary,
Practice is indeed one of the keys! You know what they say about practice making perfect. :)
Rhonda,
I'm so glad you like it! I'm cheering you on; make those calls! Thanks a bunch.
Happy weekend all,
Karen
Love this quote--so true. We won't know unless we try, will we? And really, some of the most fun is in the trying :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent point!
ReplyDeleteThis quote is absolutely spot on! And I needed it today. If I don't start querying again, it ain't gonna happen for me. Thank you, bff. I had almost given up.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord does order our steps. If we are saved by His blood. I am thankful we are. (((hugs)))
Emailing you.
ReplyDeleteAwesome quote, Karen. Thanks for the inspiring words today!
ReplyDeleteGretzky was the big deal when I grew up on Long Island. I'm not a hockey fan, but I love those words. I'll keep them in mind. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteNot a hockey fan, but gotta agree with Gretzky...and look how many milestones he achieved!
ReplyDeleteGood quote, right to the point. I have heard it before, from one of the best soccer players Holland ever had: Johan Cruijff. It is true. If we don't shoot, we will always miss. If we shoot, we might hit the target. Go for it Karen!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a hundred percent accurate.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really dig hockey as well!
Kenda,
ReplyDeleteI know, love this quote too! We don't, and you are right. The fun is in the journey as well. :)
Laura,
Thanks! I think Gretzky is spot on!
Robyn,
I need to post this quote on my desk, I'm thinking. :) Glad you liked it! Got your email. :)
Sarah,
You are so welcome! So you are off to play hockey, right? lol
Theresa,
Yes, he was with the Rangers when he retired, wasn't he? Hope his words inspire you!
Linda,
You're right; it is timeless advice that applies to everything!
Marja,
I imagine others have said it or similar, like you said. The truth remains, in any walk of life, doesn't it?
Alex,
It sure is! And I knew you were a hockey fan - which team is your favorite?
Happy weekend,
Karen
Great advice from the great one.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Karen:
ReplyDeleteA great quote. I also like what you asked yourself. I know I have missed opportunities because of not feeling good enough.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is. He accomplished much, and was a great example in many areas, including sportsmanship.
Cecelia,
Yes, me too - but I want to use it as a catalyst and not something to wallow in, you know?
Happy weekend,
Karen
Great advice by Mr. Gretzky. Have a wonderful weekend, Karen.
ReplyDeleteWise advice from Mr. Gretzky!
ReplyDeletePeople rarely succeed the first time they attempt something. Writers get rejection slips. Inventors try many versions of their product before they work (Thomas Edison for one), and researchers use clinical trials to see if a new drug/treatment is effective.
Blessings,
Susan :)
It's great advice!
ReplyDeleteWhen God gives us gifts, we're meant to open them and use them.
I'm from up north and hockey is 'the thing', not to mention Wayne Gretzky being 'the one'. It's a quote that provides food for thought.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Many of my shots are way out of line. I do try to keep shooting, because I know that some of them are keepers.
ReplyDeleteI love hockey too and miss watching my boys play. I even had the pleasure of watching my son, my grandson and their entire team play hockey on the lake in front of our house. I watched most of the game from my computer desk. Hockey is part of my culture and always elicits wonderful memories. Like the first time we realized a small town boy from Alberta was destined to be the best hockey player of my sons' generation.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just about the gifts we're given, but the challenge of accepting them. How would we know if we don't try?
Great post, Karen.
I love it Karen! I will think on this in the coming days. Just the bolt I needed to keep moving!
ReplyDeleteRachna,
ReplyDeleteI agree. Thanks, you too!
Susan,
Very good point! If we all succeeded on the first try, we'd never learn anything!
Tyrean,
I like the way you put that! You should be a writer! :D
Sally,
Ah, see, I knew some of you would know him. :) And yes, I agree, it is oh so true!
Nancy,
Hey, many of mine are too. But if we sharpen our skills, we'll eventually score!
Joylene,
I knew you would get the hockey thing! Miss watching my guys play. Sounds like fun - seeing them on the lake! :)
Terri,
I am glad to be of help. It's been a motivator for me too!
Blessings,
Karen