The Moment That Almost Didn’t Happen
Michelle K.
Talent Management Leader | Leadership Builder | Career Growth Strategist | Certified Organization Development Professional Driving Growth & Impact
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This famous quote from Wayne Gretzky has inspired countless athletes, including legends like Michael Jordan. It’s a reminder that opportunities only matter if we act on them. But this mindset isn’t just for athletes, it’s just as powerful when applied to our own career journey.
This past weekend, my family and I attended the highly anticipated Orlando City Soccer playoff game against Atlanta United FC. It was more than just a high-stakes, must-win match - it was redemption. Spoiler alert: Orlando won! They’re headed to the Eastern Conference Final.
After the game, we stopped at a local cantina for a bite to eat. Not long after we sat down, I spotted none other than the Orlando City team captain, Robin Jansson, walking in. Excited, I called out to him, and my son managed to score a selfie with the captain. It was already a great night, but it got even better.
As we were wrapping up our meal, I glanced toward the back of the restaurant and noticed another familiar face: Duncan McGuire, a fan favorite player. I pointed him out to my son, but he hesitated. “I don’t want to interrupt him,” he said, explaining that Duncan was spending time with his family. I respected that, and I could see where my son was coming from. But then I thought about how rare these moments are.
We talked it through, and then he decided to walk over, express his appreciation for Duncan’s performance, and even got a selfie. It was a moment that almost didn’t happen.
On the drive home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So often, we find ourselves in situations where we hesitate. Maybe out of respect, self-doubt, or fear of rejection. From connecting with a thought leader to stepping into a promotion, or embracing a new opportunity, that inner voice often tries to hold us back.?
You see, this voice is the biggest obstacle to action. It wants you to stand still. To miss the shot.
So how do you tame it???
Well, the next time that inner critic pipes up, remember Wayne Gretzky’s words: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Whether it’s a selfie with your favorite player or a bold career move, take the shot. Because the moments you act on are the ones that can transform your story!
#Motivation #TakeTheShot #GrowthMindset #NationalCareerDevelopmentMonth #ThanksgivingWeekReflections
Disclaimer: Photo courtesy of Orlando City SC
Boutique HR Consultant | Educator I Dynamic Keynote Speaker l Published Author | Media Commentator | Board Member
3 个月Excellent insights and thanks for sharing your experiences Michelle Kohlhof Hopefully we can all continue to "be in the moment" and enjoy/seize the amazing opportunities that life presents along the journey. Carpe diem and Carpe potestatem!
I activate leaders * I help teams achieve * I build the future of HR
3 个月Absolutely resonating with your post! The quote "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" truly captures the essence of career development. Let me share a similar moment from my own career. While being a junior consultant in PricewaterhouseCoopers years ago, I hesitantly reached out to a senior partner I admired at an internal conference. Despite feeling nervous, I introduced myself and shared my passion for strategic organizational development. To my surprise, that brief conversation led to a mentorship opportunity that significantly expanded my professional network and ultimately resulted in a powerful role at PwC in another country. This experience reinforced the importance of not just stepping out of my comfort zone, but also proactively building strategic relationships. Your post beautifully illustrates that career growth isn't just about skills, but about seizing unexpected opportunities, courage, and building connection.