You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
At its core, this quote is about opportunity and action. If you don’t try, you automatically fail—because you’ve given yourself no chance at success. By taking the shot, whether it’s on the ice, in business, in relationships, or in personal growth, you at least open the possibility of achieving something.
Here are a few layers to expand on:
Fear vs. Courage
Many people hold back from trying because of fear—fear of failure, embarrassment, or rejection. Gretzky reminds us that not trying at all is worse than trying and failing, because failure can still teach us something, while inaction teaches us nothing.Probability and Effort
Success often comes from numbers. The more shots you take, the greater your chances of scoring. In life, this translates to applying for more jobs, reaching out to more people, experimenting with more ideas. Even if most attempts don’t work out, the few that do can change everything.Regret vs. Resilience
Missed opportunities often turn into regrets later on. By taking the shot, even if you miss, you won’t look back wondering “what if?” Instead, you’ll know you gave yourself a chance, and that builds resilience.Momentum and Growth
Each “shot” builds momentum. Even failures help refine your skills, your judgment, and your strategy. Over time, you grow more confident and capable because you’re actively engaging rather than standing still.
In essence, Gretzky’s line is a reminder that opportunity requires action. Without risk, there can be no reward. The quote encourages us to move past hesitation and take the chances that come our way, because doing nothing guarantees the outcome—nothing.
