We’ve all had that moment of bravado where we think we can do anything. 

From the time when you’re a kid and you decide you can definitely jump off that really high climbing frame, to the more recent time when you may have had one too many beers, and you thought you’d definitely still be able to do a front flip (even though you hadn’t done one in 20 years). 

Sometimes unfounded bravado can be helpful, especially in business. It can help you take that leap, push your business forward or make that scary decision that can change the course of your future. But sometimes, it can land you in some pretty embarrassing situations too. 

You’ve probably heard of Olympic breakdancer, Raygun? She went crazy-viral this past week after her rather baffling breakdancing performance that scored her a grand total of zero points.  If you haven’t seen it, I suggest you take a look. It’ll give you a good giggle if nothing else. 

This rather bizarre performance looks a lot like she woke up one morning with no breakdance experience and thought to herself, “Breakdancing at the Olympics? I could do that…” From hopping like a kangaroo to flopping around on the floor like a fish, her performance leaves you slightly baffled and wondering how on earth she got into the Olympics? 

Now, I’m not one to make fun of people. I hugely admire anyone who takes a shot at their goal. And that’s what this email is about. Being brave and taking your shot. Now, Raygun could have thought to herself, “Hmm I’d love to go to the Olympics, but I don’t have enough experience. I’m not good enough. I’ll fail and it’ll be embarrassing so I will just stay home” But she didn’t. She took her shot. Sure, she missed the target. She scored zero points and came last. But she also became incredibly internet-famous – at least for a little while. No doubt she will be inundated with journalist requests, offers of paid interviews and media appearances, endorsement opportunities… Not to mention the royalties from any viral videos. 

And that’s the critical point here. She may have missed her goal of an Olympic medal, but she’s won in other ways. Opportunities opened up that would never have been possible if she hadn’t been brave and taken that ridiculous punt. 

So here’s your homework for this week… Go watch Raygun’s video and then take that shot that you’ve been avoiding because you’re afraid you’ll fail. You never know what might happen…