Most missed shots in NBA history.
- Kobe Bryant – 14,481 Missed Shots
- LeBron James – 13,892 Missed Shots
- John Havlicek – 13,417 Missed Shots
- Elvin Hayes – 13,296 Missed Shots
- Karl Malone – 12,682 Missed Shots
- Dirk Nowitzki – 12,565 Missed Shots
- Kareen Abdul-Jabbar – 12,470 Missed Shots
- Michael Jordan – 12,345 Missed Shots
Does this list surprise you?
We have spoken about courage, and the difference between bravery and fear, and what it means to try harder… We haven’t talked that much about failing. Coming up short. Missing. Trying and not getting what we wanted.
It turns out that when we fail, we can fail well… Meaning – we didn’t fail due to laziness, lack of preparation or carelessness. We failed because we put ourselves out there. Michael Jordan did not miss shots because he was lazy or out of practice. He missed shots because HE TOOK MORE SHOTS.
Where can you take more shots?
Where can you decide that yes, you are going to try, try harder, and try harder again. Because you know that if you put in the work, those missed shots will turn into winning shots. Hustle makes up for many a mistake. A not so great workout is still a + on the board. You didn’t put up a zero. A not so great meeting with a customer is still a + on the board. You didn’t bail out. Take the learning and try again. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
Think about what you have achieved over the last year through the leadership program. Many of you have shared in your feedback that this has been outside of your comfort zone, but you are immensely grateful because you have learned and grown. You did it. You took a shot at this, and it’s when we feel discomfort that we know we are growing. So what are you holding back on doing because you’re scared of missing the shot? If you take it, believe me you will either make it or miss it. And either way, you’ll be gaining ground because you’re taking the shot.
So now what?
Reflect on the shots you’ve taken this year. As we move forward, let’s focus on cultivating resilience and the willingness to keep shooting, regardless of the outcome. In our next sessions, we’ll explore strategies for overcoming fear of failure and how to transform missed opportunities into learning experiences.
Talking about money honestly and openly was something you appreciated. While The Psychology of Money is a great book for understanding how we think about and interact with money, the Wealthy Barber is a great book on the nuts and bolts of how to get better at having money. In the style of the Five Dysfunctions of Team, The Wealthy Barber is a story based book that shares tools on how to get more money, save more money and do more with the money that you have. Let me know if you would like a copy. Also great as an audio book. And you can hear him on a podcast as a way to get started.