I always heard the phrase as, “You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take.”  However, in a Google search, it turns out the more popular phrase is, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” by hockey great Wayne Gretzky.  Either way, the sentiment is the same – if you don’t take the risk, you’ll not have the reward.

Another phrase along the same vein that comes to mind is, “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.”  My father, who would have celebrated his 84^th birthday today, always told me that was bunk!  We were very blessed as a family and dad could afford many things without asking, but he still always said, “how do you know if you don’t ask!” 

Dad was also one to take opportunities.  My freshman year in college, after the College President addressed the first-year students, my father went right up to the man and introduced himself and me.  Believe it or not, I was a little shy back then, and mortified that my dad would be so bold to a man of such respected letters.  However, this taught me that College Presidents were just people, too.  You should respect them, as you should everyone, but not be in such awe that you’re intimidated. 

Take the risks in life!  You’ll not be any worse off than you were when you started, because you won’t be losing anything, you just won’t have the gain.  In the show Cash Cab I always think they should go for the bonus round at the end.  If you win – you get the extra cash; but if you lose – you leave the cab with nothing (which is exactly what had when you got into the cab), so why not take the opportunity?!?