Attempt Without Fear

A person fearlessly leaping from stepping stone to stepping stone

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."

— Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time. A six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, five-time MVP, and fourteen-time All-Star, Jordan's competitive drive and athletic ability revolutionized the game. What many don't know is that Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore—a rejection that fueled his legendary work ethic. Beyond his athletic achievements, Jordan built a global business empire including the Jordan Brand under Nike and became the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise, demonstrating his excellence extends beyond the basketball court.

RESILIENCE AND COURAGE

EFFORT

GROWTH MINDSET

Context

This quote captures the essence of Jordan's approach to both basketball and life. Despite his extraordinary success, Jordan experienced significant failures throughout his career—from being cut from his high school team to his less successful baseball career and initial championship losses. What distinguished Jordan wasn't an absence of failure but his response to it. The statement reframes the conversation about success from outcomes to effort—suggesting that the only true failure is the failure to attempt. This philosophy fueled Jordan's legendary work ethic, including his practice of staying hours after team practices to refine his skills. The quote reflects his belief that while results aren't always within our control, the decision to fully commit and try is always our choice.

Today's Mantra

I value wholehearted effort above perfect outcomes; my attempts define my character.

Reflection Question

What opportunity or challenge am I avoiding because of fear of failure, and how would my life be different if I measured my success by my willingness to try rather than by perfect outcomes?

Application Tip

Start an "Attempts Journal" where you record not your successes but your attempts—especially those that push you beyond your comfort zone. For each entry, note: What you tried, what you learned, and how it felt to attempt regardless of outcome. Set a goal to add at least one significant attempt entry weekly. Additionally, identify one meaningful action you've been postponing due to fear of failure and commit to taking the first step within 48 hours, focusing exclusively on the attempt rather than the result.