No Excuses: Taking the Shot

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And this is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan

There are many times when I don't take that shot.

I like to know with 100% certainty that something will work or come out exactly like how I planned or wanted to. But limited only to my imagination and perspective, that kind of attitude can put a cap on potential and progress.

It is precisely when I am willing to make mistakes and begin the often painful process of learning from my mistakes that I actually make any kind of progress.

I played a game of basketball some time back. I left the game with regrets and an uneasy feeling of "Whew, I didn't screw up too bad". I missed some shots early in the game and had stopped shooting altogether. Other players, including my own teammates, told me, "Just stop shooting the ball if you can't make it." There was only one friend who kept encouraging me, "It's OK if you missed that one, keep taking that shot!"

Yes, I have to know my limits and have a sober judgment of myself. But if I don't keep trying and practicing during game time, then when will I ever learn to shoot a basketball under pressure?

However, I must remember that persistence without the right perspective is merely stubbornness. Trying again and again using the same methods is madness. That's why persistence and taking chances must be coupled with a constant evaluation and adaptation in order to improve oneself.

Am I ready to try new things and to try again if my original attempt didn't work? Am I ready for some humiliation, discouraging moments, and times when I feel like giving up? And when faced with all that, am I ready to suit up for the next round and take the shot? If chances aren't taken, then nothing happens.

Ready or not...