3 Lessons Learned from this year’s
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Some things just keep you up at night —-Like dreaming about how you’re going to conquer the world, or how you’re going to make the biggest impact, or wondering who’s going to win the Australian Open . . . 
After 3 weeks of watching the best in the business of tennis compete at their highest level, we enthusiasts (of all kinds) observed and analyzed, sometimes fanatically, gleaning all that we could that might help us on and off the court. Yes. We watch for entertainment, but I’d be lying if I said most (if not all) of us secretly believe that by sheer osmosis, we’ll be better players afterward. And isn’t it true that by merely watching, observing and mirroring that we certainly can make some shifts? Well, the tournament is over and the winners have received their trophies. Congratulations to Naomi Osaka for her second Grand slam, her first Australian Open win and her new position as #1 in the world. And kudos to Novak Djokovic, on his 17th Grand slam, who made ousting Rafa Nadal (easily the hardest working and most mentally and physically intense player on the tour) look like a walk in the park. It was an epic Slam. I watched, I listened, and I learned and here are just a few of the takeaways that I will utilize on the court and off, in business and in tennis. DON’T WASTE ENERGY At one point, Osaka admitted, she was like a robot, devoid of emotions. I get that. Sometimes we get all in our feelings. It’s easy to do. They say it’s not personal, but it certainly feels that way, doesn’t it? But let’s be clear. Releasing some steam and frustration can help. But getting stuck in a place of anger, angst and anxiety will do you no good when something important is at stake. That’s what Osaka realized when she lost the second set and it went to a 3rd. Sure. She could get frustrated or . . . . she could get over it, move on and play the game she knows how to play. That’s what she did. So stop wasting energy and forget about that last defeat. Get into action and keep working so you’re in a good position to win the next round. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BIG OPPORTUNITIES Most champions have been dreaming of playing in a grand slam all their lives. Osaka is no different. Now that she has the opportunity to play the game she loves at the highest competitive level available, she’s taking full advantage — she’s the first in a long while that has backed up her 1st grand slam win with another one. So how does she handle the pressure? Have fun, play the game she’s practiced, and focus on the task at hand. And just like that — she’s a winner! You’ll have all types of opportunities to do great things, but some of them will be bigger than others. When you come face-to-face with a big opportunity, don’t waste it. Go for it! BELIEVE AND VISUALIZE Novak made it very clear that in order to play at his best and win more tournaments, he must continue to improve his game, have a concise and concrete strategy and maintain his overall – physical, mental, emotional – well being. He also shared that his biggest secret for success is his self-belief. Candidly, Novak spoke of how he used visualizing to help him dig deep in moments of adversity. When faced with injury a little over a year ago, he certainly questioned and doubted his abilities. But he followed that up with complimenting and visualizing, which allowed him to embrace his personal journey and use the school of life as a powerful learning tool. There you have it — straight from the champions. What takeaways can you use to conquer your next grand slam? Ready to PLAY YOUR BEST GAME? BECOME A MEMBER |