He was nicknamed "Michael Jordan in NHL" or "the Great One". His quote tells us the stakes of not taking chances. You don't have to a hockey fan to embrace the great one's words of advice. Though we use hockey terminology, the simple phrase can easily be applied to just about any task you face in life, because when it comes come down to it, Gretzky is encouraging you to overcome something that we all face --- fear of failure, whether it is a sporting event, an assignment at work, or a new relationship. The fear of failure can make a stop short of even attempting a task. What Gretzky is saying is that giving in to the fear and refusing to even try at something will, in and of itself, lead to failure. Success is never inevitable when you try. However, failure is guaranteed when you don't.

Today when a task comes across your desk, don't let the fear get to you. Give it a try and embrace the uncertainty. Will you succeed in accomplishing your goal? Maybe. Maybe not, but you won't know unless you give it a shot.?