Have you ever thought about the lessons sports teach us that can be applied at almost every corner of our lives?
As I watched the Wimbledon Men's Finals yesterday ("watched" is a tame way of putting it -- I was squirming and jumping around the whole time), I marveled at the focus and confidence of the two incredibly skilled players that had made it to the apex of tennis.
It was a long match, clocking in at 4 hours and 42 minutes. Have you ever done anything for 4 hours and 42 minutes straight? It's a test of will and stamina and focus. You can't lose yourself even for a moment. But the most important thing is that if you do, you know how to bring yourself back. If you miss a point, or lose a game or set, or commit double faults, you can't give up. You have to keep your composure, steady your breathing, and tap into the deepest well of concentration within you.
There's no coasting. There's no one else out there with you. In a basketball game, if my shots aren't dropping, I can pass to a teammate. Or someone can set a pick so I can drive to the hoop for a layup. But on the tennis court, you have to do it all yourself. You're alone, covering the entirety of your side of the court. You have to know your strengths and weaknesses, both in general and in the moment, and you have to adjust. Do you slice it or smash it? How's your drop shot falling today? Are you ready to lob it over his head if he crowds the net? Where's the best placement for the next shot based on your opponent's strengths and weaknesses?
Tennis, especially of this caliber, requires both strategy and execution. It requires self-awareness and competitive analysis. You have to know both your environment (e.g., the surface, the weather) and your personal condition (i.e. your physical health and mental state). You have to calculate the best shot in that moment then actually do it, all in the blink of an eye.
Then you have to do it again.
And again.
For 4 hours and 42 minutes.
But you know you can do it. You have the confidence and the skill. Because you've done it before. Maybe you haven't done it on that stage and can't let the pressure get to you (if you're Alcaraz) or maybe you HAVE done it many times and can't grow complacent (if you're Djokovic). Even though each player is alone on his side, left to fend for himself, he didn't get there alone. He prepared, and he trained, and he was supported. That support system is absolutely integral to the performance of the player on the court. Each player has an incredible team of coaches and trainers pushing him and preparing him for the big moment -- and for every moment in between. Together, for months, they discussed strategy. They rehearsed various shots. They practiced on different surfaces. They did strength and conditioning and cardio (so. much. cardio). They played out different scenarios and practiced the art of tennis over and over and over again.
The test is when the stakes are at their highest, whether you can remember everything you've practiced, maintain your focus, tap into your confidence, consider the best strategy, and perform at your best...then keep it up for hours.
Sports teach us so much: To think strategically, to consider the situation, and to look within ourselves. To prepare, and to perform. To focus, to breathe, and to seize every opportunity. To be passionate, but to keep our emotions in line. To trust the process and to adjust on the fly.
And to enjoy every moment. After all, it's just a game, right?
What are some lessons from sports you have applied to your life and work and everything in between?

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