The Shot Never Taken is the Real Failure: 5 Sure Fire Steps to Take the Shot:

“You will miss 100% of the shots you never take,” – Wayne Gretzky.

This phrase encapsulates the essence of today's article: the psychological nuances of why not trying is the real failure, not the missteps along the journey.

The Fine Art of Chasing Your Dreams

Rarely discussed in mainstream discourse are the deeper psychological reasons for pursuing your dreams. Firstly, there's the concept of “self-actualization” from Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Pursuing a dream fulfills an intrinsic human desire for personal growth and realization of one’s potential. Secondly, dreams often align with our core values. When we chase them, we live authentically, leading to greater life satisfaction. Thirdly, the journey towards a dream often involves overcoming fear and discomfort, which are essential for psychological resilience.

Our dreams arise from sources unseen and unknown even to ourselves. They surface unbidden, visions of alternate realities waiting to unfold. In chasing dreams, we chase mystery - and mystery chases us. When we create space for dreams to find us, we enable their full expression.

To begin opening to your dreams, start with these 5 steps:

1. Define Your Vision: Clarity is power. Define what your dream looks like. It need not be grandiose; it simply needs to be yours.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your dream into smaller goals. This makes the journey more manageable and less overwhelming.

3. Seek Knowledge and Skills: Identify the skills and knowledge needed for your dream. Dedicate time each day or week to developing these skills.

4. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dream. Their support and encouragement can be invaluable.

5. Embrace Failure as a Teacher: Instead of fearing failure, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every misstep is a step towards your dream.

Weekly Growth Tip:

To fully embrace the concepts outlined in this article, start where you are, with what you have. The journey towards your dreams begins with the willingness to take that first, often imperfect, step. As Adam Grant says, "The true mark of creativity is not the number of ideas you generate but the quality of the few you select." Thus, select your dream, however small, and take that first step towards it.

Pursuing dreams is not just about the end goal, it's also about the journey. The image below is a stark reminder that true failure is not in the shots that miss the target, but in the reluctance to take the shot at all. Challenge your limits one step at a time.