You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take: Why Taking Action is a Key to Your Dream Life

Feb 10, 2025

by Kristina Karlsson

Introduction: A Powerful Reminder to Start Taking Action

Have you ever hesitated on something you truly wanted?

Maybe it was applying for your dream job, signing up for that course, starting a business, or even speaking up in a meeting.

You had the idea, you thought about it—but then fear crept in, and you found a reason to stay in your comfort zone.

If that sounds familiar, today’s post - based on my recent podcast - is just for you!

One of the most powerful quotes to live by, is from legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky:

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

It’s such a simple yet profound truth: the only way to guarantee failure is to never try in the first place. In this post, I want to unpack what this means for you and how you can start taking action today—even if you feel scared or uncertain.

Why We Hold Ourselves Back from Taking the Shot

So many of us hesitate when it comes to going after what we really want.

Why?

Because we let fear and doubt take over.

Some of the most common thoughts that stop us from taking action include:

❌ What if I fail?
❌ What if I’m not good enough?
❌ What if people judge me?
❌ What if I don’t know how to do it?

But here’s the truth: the real failure isn’t in missing the shot—it’s in not taking it at all.

If you don’t try, you’ll never know what could have been.

The Key to Success? Taking the Shot!

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with so many inspiring people—entrepreneurs, authors, creatives, changemakers, and participants in my Dream Life Coaching program.

Do you know what they all have in common?

👉 They took the shot.

They didn’t wait until they had everything figured out.

They didn’t wait until they felt 100% ready (because that day never comes!).

They simply started.

...and I encourage you too just to start. Even if it is with a laughably small step.

I remember when I wrote down some of my biggest dreams years ago. At the time, they seemed impossible. But the only way to make dreams happen is to start—even when you have no idea how.

Did I experience setbacks? Absolutely.

Did I feel completely out of my comfort zone? Yes.

Did I fail many times? For sure.

But because I took the shots, I opened doors to opportunities I could never have imagined.

And you can too.

Your Challenge: Start Taking Action Today!

I don’t want this to just be another motivational blog post. I want this to be something you take action on right now. So here’s your challenge:

✅ Step 1: Identify a shot you’ve been hesitating to take. What’s that one thing you’ve been thinking about but haven’t acted on yet? Write it down.

✅ Step 2: Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? Most of the time, the worst-case scenario isn’t nearly as bad as we imagine. And honestly? The real worst-case scenario is not taking action at all.

✅ Step 3: Take one small action today. Make the call, send the email, sign up for the course, start brainstorming. Whatever your shot is—take the first step!

Because every big achievement starts with one small action.

A Pep Talk for You: You’ve Got This!

If you’re feeling unsure right now, I want you to hear this loud and clear:

💛 You are capable.
💛 You are worthy.
💛 You are ready.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

Trust yourself enough to take the shot. And trust that whatever happens, you can handle it.

Final Thoughts: Take the Shot!

So here’s my challenge for you: Take the shot.

I’d love to hear what action you’re taking today!

Comment below, send me a message on Instagram (@kristinadreamlife), or join our Dream Life Community Facebook Group to connect with like-minded dreamers.

Take bold action and create your dream life—one shot at a time!

This beautiful guided journal below is designed to help you form & maintain habits, and take small steps...