That seems to be the perfect summation – it’s knowing that you could have done something and didn’t that I think, as you mention, causes the most regret.

Sounds an interesting book – I’ll be checking it out, cheers!

It is great to hear quotes like that from anyone who has made it to the top of their field. A simple quote means more when you know that it is being made by someone who has truly focused on that concept their whole life. It is easy to say something but another thing to truly believe it and live your life by it. Bill Russell, Ted Williams, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods… These are not just great athletes but the best that ever lived at doing what they do. They are all driven and focused in a way that is truly inspiring.

I recently read a book called ‘The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die’. It recounts the author’s interviews with a huge group of people and one of the trends he found was along the same lines as the Gretzky quote. At the end of the road, people don’t ever regret a chance they took that ended in failure. They regret the chances and risks they never took in the first place.

Where would any of us be without the initial attempt at anything? No-one wants to live in a cave forever, do they?

Reminds me of a saying that’s stuck with me over the years: “Great leaders don’t want to be leaders. Great leaders become leaders through necessity.”

We all have the leadership role to play.

I think this post is similar to a post a shared with you on the out-behave manifesto. I do not know whether it is that I am older or that the economy forced all to be more self-reflective about how one spends their time, but I think they only difference that separates a Gretzsky from a lesser player is mostly discipline.

Case in point, I watched the Cetics/Bulls play a historic first round of playoff bball. During that time, these teams duked out it out for additional 7 over times. This series stands out to me b/c it suggests a level of discipline and mental toughness that most would argue is a god gifted talent. When, the reality of this series is that the team that won, is known for high level of discipline in terms of skills, workouts, conditioning.

Bottom line. You have to love what you do.

You’re so right. I think deep inside us, we have a standard we want to keep, whatever it is we are doing.

Good is often not good enough, let alone failure. It is funny I also read the other day that Michael Jordan probably missed more shots than anybody but through rigorous training that he played better than anybody and scored more.

I agree, it is a great quote. And a gentle reminder for myself. So thanks for that.

I’d argue that everyone on the ice has to lead at times – perhaps whey they have control of the puck, or when tying up an opposing teams player, or when attempting to screen the goalie. If everyone on the team is capable of leading at times and key leaders are willing to pass the puck and allow them to lead, (i.e. like Gretzky setting up the plays and passing the puck) then you can’t help but succeed.

Plateau’s are great as long as you use them to celebrate your success and plan your next ascent. There’s always more we can do – but it’s important to recognize great achievements before you take on a new challenge.

Your blog reminds me how blessed I am to work in service of a great cause with great leaders and a remarkable team. Thanks!