"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

This may sound obvious, but it resonates with those who strive for success as a powerful quote.

This saying was made by Wayne Gretzky, a former ice hockey player and coach.

Although Gretzky is more famous as an ice hockey player, this one statement has become a philosophy that transcends life.

The premise of 'if you don't take a shot' already implies failure, which makes it feel different.

Before we start something, the most common worry is, "What if I fail?"

But Gretzky said the opposite. "If you don't even try, the chance of failure is 100%."

In other words, being in a state of not trying is the most certain failure, rather than fearing the outcome.

It's a simple logic, but in reality, most people choose to do nothing out of fear of failure.

Gretzky, a Canadian ice hockey player, left overwhelming records, earning the title "The Great One."

He broke almost every record, including the most goals, assists, and points in NHL history. However, he always said, "I regret the 100% of the shots I didn't take." This means that not trying itself becomes a source of regret.

The reason he said this was simple. No matter how much you practice and prepare perfectly, if you don't actually take the shot, the goal will never go in. Life is the same. No matter how much you plan and wait for the perfect timing, if you don't 'act', nothing will happen.

This philosophy applies not only to sports but also to business, art, relationships, and even daily life.

For example, some people say, "I want to change jobs, but the timing isn't right," and stay in the same position for years.

Some people think, "If I start a business, I might fail," and end up just accumulating ideas without executing them.

Others think, "What if I get rejected if I confess?" and bury their feelings. But in all these cases, the outcome is the same.

If you don't take a shot, nothing will happen. In other words, you remain in a state of 0% chance of success and 100% chance of failure.

It's similar in our lives. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people lies not in 'ability' but in 'the number of attempts'.

A person who tries 10 times and succeeds once ultimately gains 'one success', while someone who doesn't even try gains no opportunities at all.

The world does not give opportunities to perfect people, but to those who 'take action'.

Gretzky's words are often used as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit.

In Silicon Valley, this phrase is frequently quoted among entrepreneurs.

It encourages not to fear failure, to try quickly, and to learn from the experience.

Indeed, figures like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos have all expressed similar philosophies.

Jobs said, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward," and Musk stated, "Failure is not an option. Not failing means you haven't tried enough."

Ultimately, the essence is the same. Success will never come if you don't take a shot.

As we live, we often wonder, 'Is this the right path?' 'What if I make a mistake?'

However, many moments in life are not about knowing the answer before making a choice, but rather about making a choice to create the answer.

Taking risks does not guarantee results, but 'growth' is always guaranteed.

The experiences, courage, and confidence gained through the process of taking risks become more valuable assets than any failure.

The world opens doors for those who take a step forward, even if it feels uncertain, rather than for those who stay safely still.

Failure is painful, but not trying at all leads to a much greater regret.

If there is something you are hesitating about right now, think of Gretzky's words.

And that very first step will become the moment that changes the direction of your life.