Recently, I have started playing tennis. In fact, I’m a little obsessed (almost like a new crush!). I love being outside, chasing a ball instead of working out, learning and seeing progress.
Yet, there's a thorn in my tennis journey - I lose. A lot. It doesn't matter if I'm facing seasoned athletes or folks with knee braces that resemble scaffolding; I find myself on the losing side more often than not. In the heat of the moment, it can be a real downer. I grew up playing high-level badminton and volleyball, and I guess I naively assumed my skills would transition seamlessly to tennis. Well, that clearly isn’t a magic ticket to Wimbledon.
Recently, I've been contemplating how tennis mirrors life itself. As I embark on a journey to redesign my life and align it with my values, the lessons I've gleaned from the tennis court have taken on a deeper meaning.
🎾 My top takeaways from my time on the court🎾
Live in the Moment and Savour the Good Points:
(Value = Fun)
Deep down, I know I have some incredible shots within me. Playing each point as if it's a fresh start not only improves my game but also ensures I have more fun along the way.
Win or Lose, Always Learn and Grow:
(Value = Growth)
Every time I step onto the court or join a clinic, I'm picking up new skills. It's genuinely exciting to witness how even minor adjustments can make a significant difference. The scope for improvement is immense, which is particularly invigorating for this 42-year-young athlete and new entrepreneur!
Don't Let Your Inner Critic Rule the Game:
(Value = Abundance)
Just like life, tennis can be a roller coaster of emotions, but beating myself up on the court never helps me win a point. I've adopted a new mantra: "In is a win." This mantra has also become my guiding light for my business. Just putting myself out there creates opportunity.
It's Not the Losses We Remember but the People We Meet:
(Value = Community)
Being self-employed means I spend much more time at home and with my family unit. Tennis introduces me to interesting new people and I love the little chats between games and after. It fills my cup almost as much as the game.
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I’ll never stop being competitive or trying my hardest on and off the court- but tennis has been a gift for me as a person, as a coach and as a mother of little athletes. When my sons ask me how my tennis match was - I can answer them honestly. “Great! I lost but I learned”. Seeing me celebrate the nuances of losing allows them to also feel less fear of failure. I am confident it will make us all better athletes, leaders and humans.
I’d love to hear from you!
What are your top values?
What are some things you do to honour them in your life?
As always, if you want some support to figure this out, please reach out to find out more about my coaching offering.
Coach Sara
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