If you were given only one shot… one opportunity to seize the moment, would you take it with everything you have? Many, if not most, tend to agree. The only thing is, there will be no one narrating our story. No guidance on what the “shot” may be or when it will happen. Now, this poses the question, do you take every opportunity given or wait until the right one appears?

But the harsh reality tells us that there is no true definite answer. Not me, and definitely not anyone else can foresee your future and tell you what is right or wrong, or what’s going to happen. I’ve seen many things before, but I’ve listened to other stories and even from myself, that the biggest problem isn’t executing, but instead deciding.

I see it this way, the human body has two brains. The logical and the emotional. The brain versus the heart. The logic against the gut. When taking up any opportunity, it is most likely that these two will argue and fight. Other times, they may agree. 

Imagine that you’ve reached a split in the path and you have to pick which side to go down. One side promises a better future. Nice job, good family, and the fulfillment of your wants and needs. But, the other side promises a life of joy and contentment. While the decisions you make do matter, you’ll still be able to look in the mirror, and love yourself and be humble with what you have. 

Two outstanding paths, in my opinion, but your heart may pull in one direction and your brain might pull in another. But, that decision lies up to the person who is standing at the crossroads. 

But, I know that for everyone, a simple this or that, isn’t what we all experience. 

In my own life, I can picture myself, sitting in my room with a basketball in hand. I was always presented with the offer to go play a sport like basketball or even volleyball. Given the chance to join two sports that I genuinely love, but I had always let my head do the thinking. 

I used the excuse of being busy doing robotics and Early College to pass up the shot. I said things like, “maybe next year” and have kept running away from the opportunity, by tricking myself that “I was just waiting”. But now, I’ve realized the truth. I’ve only got one more “next year” and that regret of not even choosing, still lingers at the back of my mind.

So, not only did I not take the opportunity given to me, I lied to myself that I would wait for this “perfect” moment. I believe the one of many solutions to this problem is being able to make a decision that you can live with, rather than solely letting it pass you by. You should be able to live with yourself, knowing that you tried, rather than live, and regret not even giving it your best. 

And as a student myself, if there’s anything to take away, I’d much rather “take the shot” and miss, than to never even stand on the court.