Keegan Bradley recently made a headline-grabbing decision: he chose not to name himself to the U.S. Ryder Cup team, stepping aside as the first potential playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. While he had a legitimate case to make the squad—finishing 11th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings and boasting two wins in the past year—Bradley opted to focus on being the best captain he could be.

It’s the kind of decision that invites criticism either way. Had he picked himself, some would have called it self-serving. By stepping aside, others questioned whether he was holding back. The reality? Leaders and heroes often face criticism no matter what they do.

Here’s the takeaway: if you have the chance to bet on yourself, do it. Whether it’s taking a big opportunity, stepping into a leadership role, or pursuing a dream you’ve been putting off, the choice to believe in yourself matters more than the opinions of others.

Bradley’s decision also shows that self-awareness is key. He knew he could be valuable to the team in a non-playing role, and sometimes the best way to win is to play the part that leverages your strengths, not just your ego.

So the next time you’re on the fence about going all-in on an opportunity, remember: criticism is inevitable, but betting on yourself is a risk worth taking.