“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

I absolutely love this quote. It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience. Michael Jordan’s legacy isn’t defined by the shots he missed but by the risks he took, the chances he seized, and the way he turned every failure into an opportunity to grow. It’s the kind of wisdom that applies far beyond the basketball court and into every aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to building the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Risk Is Essential to Growth

If you want a life you’ve never had before, you’re going to have to do things you’ve never done before. Period. Risk isn’t optional; it’s essential for growth and opportunity. Yet so many people stay stuck in the same place, clinging to what feels safe and comfortable. They tell themselves, “This is the last time I’ll take this gig,” or “I’ll quit my unfulfilling job after this project.” But then they’re right back where they started, stuck in a cycle of safety that feels like a dead end.

If you’ve been in the same financial situation for years, this is for you.

Why? Because change is scary. The unknown is terrifying. But life is too short to stay in a holding pattern. When you refuse to take risks, you’re not just protecting yourself from failure—you’re also closing the door on everything amazing that could be waiting for you on the other side of fear.

 

 

 Letting Go of Plan B

It’s time to say goodbye to your backup plan. Plan A is where the magic happens. You’re doing the work to set yourself up for success—you’re getting your finances in order, you’re building a strong foundation—so now it’s time to take the leap.

Trust isn’t just about believing things will work out; it’s about believing in yourself. Trust that you have the knowledge, skills, and determination to navigate whatever comes your way. Trust that the preparation you’ve done is enough to carry you forward, even when things feel uncertain. And trust that even if the path gets rocky, you have the resilience to adapt and keep moving.

When you let go of Plan B, you’re not just taking a risk—you’re making a statement. You’re telling yourself that your dreams are worth prioritizing, that your goals are worth the effort, and that you are worth betting on. It’s a powerful act of self-respect and self-belief. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that you don’t need a safety net when you’re the one creating your own stability.

Respect yourself enough to know that you deserve happiness. That doesn’t mean you have to chase some lofty idea of passion. It’s okay if your job isn’t your life’s great calling, as long as it fulfills you in other ways—whether that’s financial stability, work-life balance, or the ability to pursue joy outside of work. But whatever you do, don’t let fear keep you from taking the risks that could lead to something better.

The Power of Trying

Here’s what I’ve learned: Every time you take a risk, you gain something. Even if you fail, you walk away with new insights, new skills, and a better understanding of yourself. You learn how to pivot, how to adapt, and how to come back stronger. That’s the real reward of risk-taking—not just the chance of success, but the growth that comes with the attempt.

So, the next time you’re faced with a choice, push yourself to take the risk. Let go of the fear that holds you back and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you land on a cushion or the rocks, you’ll have proven to yourself that you’re brave enough to try. And that courage? That’s where true success begins.