By Agnes de Mille
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
“Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.” This Agnes de Mille quote about being brave in the face of uncertainty shines a light on how humans move through the world. Her words feel urgent and honest, offering a perspective that stirs us to reflect on how we meet life’s unpredictability. There is deep reassurance here, a reminder that not knowing is both natural and necessary. This idea matters—especially for anyone yearning to build confidence and embrace their own journey, no matter how shadowy or uncertain it might seem.
What Does This Quote Mean?
Agnes de Mille, with her direct and vivid language, spells out a truth that sits at the heart of the human experience. This is a motivational quote about self-belief, and it gives voice to the inner uncertainty that all people feel at some point in their lives. De Mille describes living as a process without guarantees—where certainty is replaced by continual guessing and risk-taking. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, she acknowledges that much of life is spent in the unknown.
The literal meaning here is clear enough: none of us can predict the future. We cannot always see the outcome of our choices or the precise road ahead. We make decisions without full knowledge and often feel wobbly or exposed. De Mille is open about the humility and courage it takes to move despite this. “We guess. We may be wrong”—these words are full of acceptance, not shame. They normalise mistakes as part of trying.
Go deeper, and the metaphorical message calls out: life is a series of leaps “in the dark.” There is no magical moment when everything becomes certain, no finish line of total security. Yet, the quote insists, we go on—because that is what living means. The darkness is not something to fear; it simply is. Every leap we take is an act of hope and self-belief. We find meaning and momentum not in perfect plans, but in taking action again and again, even when we have doubts. The spirit of this motivational quote about self-belief is honest and kind, telling us that courage looks like moving forward while we are still unsure.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Embrace Uncertainty in Daily Choices
Almost every day, you face small or big decisions with unknown outcomes. From starting a new project at work to reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in years, the results are never fully guaranteed. Remind yourself that feeling unsure is expected. The next time you hesitate, recall this Agnes de Mille quote about being brave—then do it anyway. Leap, even when you cannot see the whole staircase.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
The urge to wait until you are totally sure holds you back. This quote tells you that no one ever reaches that point of perfect readiness, and that mistakes are part of progress. Try allowing yourself to act before you feel completely prepared. Submit the application, share your idea, show up for the opportunity. Movement matters more than getting it “right” every time.
3. Quiet the Fear of Failure
Fear of making the wrong choice can be paralysing. When you hear your inner critic warning you against risks, use this motivational quote about self-belief as your shield. Accept that you may sometimes be wrong. See your missteps as part of the journey rather than proof you should have stayed stuck. Remind yourself: taking a leap, even into darkness, is braver than standing still.
4. Support Others in Their Own Uncertainty
When someone you care about is agonising over a decision or afraid to try, share Agnes de Mille’s words. Tell them that everyone guesses and stumbles sometimes, and that moving forward with uncertainty is normal. Your reassurance can empower them to take their own leap into the unknown.
5. Keep Going, Even After Setbacks
Life inevitably brings moments where you leap and land somewhere you didn’t want to be. The quote teaches resilience: being wrong is not the end, but just another leap on your path. When plans go sideways, pick yourself up and try again. The dark never really lifts entirely, but with each risk, you build a life that looks like yours—not a life shaped by fear or hesitation.
Holding Agnes de Mille’s wisdom close can help you build self-trust and resilience. The motivation here is subtle but steadfast: living well means allowing uncertainty, choosing action, and accepting that you will never have every answer. Remember this each time you are tempted to freeze or wait for perfect clarity. The leaps you take, even in darkness, define your life.
✨ The Motivation Message
You are a person of courage! Even when doubt creeps in, remember that your willingness to move, to try, and to risk makes you stronger than you realise. You do not have to wait for certainty or permission. Every time you choose to keep going, despite not knowing how things will turn out, you plant the seeds of your own growth. 🌱 You learn, adapt, and discover strengths you never knew you had.
Waiting for total confidence is a trap—you find your confidence by leaping, by being wrong sometimes, and by getting up to leap again. Real life is happening right now, with all its ups and downs, and you are doing more than enough just by taking part! If the path is dark, trust your inner light to help you take the next step. 🚀
So this is your gentle challenge: this week, let yourself make one small leap, no matter how uncertain you feel. Back yourself. Act on what you hope for, not just what you know for sure. The world is full of possibility—your leaps make it brighter!
About Agnes de Mille
Agnes de Mille, who was born in 1905 and died in 1993, was a renowned American dancer and choreographer whose influence reached far beyond the stage. She broke new ground in dance and theatre, weaving emotion, story, and risk into her creative work. De Mille’s personal journey was marked by setbacks and doubts—she struggled for recognition and often faced rejection in a world not ready for her vision. Yet she persisted, known for her innovative choreography in productions like “Oklahoma!” and her passionate advocacy for the arts.
Her worldview was honest and practical: creativity and achievement are not reserved for the fearless, but for those who try anyway. The quote embodies her belief that progress—whether in art or in life—demands courage, curiosity, and a willingness to move forward without guarantees. Agnes de Mille encouraged everyone to trust their instincts and act, even when the path was unclear. Her wisdom continues to inspire, reminding us that our best lives are built leap after leap, uncertainty and all.
