Quote of the Day by Canadian Ice Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don't take’

In life we often don't risk ourselves at what we mostly do. Former Canadian ice hockey star Wayne Gretzky's ‘Quote of the Day’ - “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take” - simply changes the mindsets of how people think about risks, opportunity and fear. Not on Gretzky's words speak about the ambition, but it also calls for courage and the necessity of trying.

Beyond the ice rink, the quote has travelled far into the locker rooms of the most famous athletes in the world, to seminars, classrooms, and many more. Time and again Gretzky's quote reminds us that unless we at least try, success will only be a dream as the fear of failure only guarantees failure.

The meaning of Gretzky's quote is pretty straightforward. In hockey, be it on ice or field, a shot on a goal creates an opportunity of at least scoring. Unless you take the shot, you are nothing but a failure. Not only hockey, the quote also applies to football where the winning team is viewed on the number of goals they have scored.

Not just sports, Gretzky's quote applies to out everyday life also. Whether its leaving your comfort zone and challenge yourself with something new, or applying for a job or starting a new business, unless you take that big leap, it won't open the door for you. Although the line doesn't promise success, but it creates a difference between regret and achievement.

Who is Wayne Gretzky? All you need to know

Born in Brantford, Ontario, Gretzky is one of the legends of National Hockey League (NHL). He played for Canada and later coached the national team. Nicknamed as 'Great One', Gretzky is the leading career point scorer and assist producer in the history of NHL.

In fact, Gretzky is the only NHL player to score 200 points in a single season. Not once but four times. He retired from the game in 1999 with 61 NHL records - 40 regular season records, 15 playoff records, and six All-Star records.

Wayne Gretzky's net worth

Reported by TOI, Gretzky's net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is estimated to be over $96 million in salary and endorsements. His NHL salary peaked in 1990s when he was with New York Rangers at $6.5 million per year, based on a Spotrac report. As of February 2026, the TOI reported that Gretzky’s total net worth is estimated to be around of $250 million.