Volume 26 • No 05 • 2003
ISSN 0742-468X • Since 1978
On-line Since 2000

Seven Lessons For Your Life
and
Business From Wimbledon

Editor’s Note: Wendy Hearn is a business coach. She works with business owners, professionals and executives to discover and unlock their own inspiration, to effortlessly take the actions required to have the success they desire. To receive Wendy’s free newsletter, send an email to: newsletter@wendyhearn.par32.com http://www.Business-Personal-Coaching.com

There are immense similarities between peak performance in sport, and what it takes to perform well in your life and business. The sports arena offers great opportunities to learn more about playing successfully in life and business. As I watched the recent tennis at Wimbledon it struck me that there were strengths and characteristics in the players that are necessary for us all in order to perform at our absolute best. If you want the best performance, either in your personal life, your career or your business, here are the seven key things you need and which I observed in the tennis players

1. Focus

Tennis players focus intensely and specifically on what they’re doing at the moment. Their mind isn’t drifting off to other things. They know that being focused is essential to success and you can’t take your eye off the ball. Although their focus is more intense than you usually need in an average day, when you take your eye off the ball too often, you could easily find yourself slipping behind and not staying ahead of the game. .

2. They respond fully rather than react.

Responding means that you’re ready, you’re prepared and not likely to be caught out unexpectedly. Responding comes from being grounded and allows you to choose what to do next, whereas reacting is a knee jerk response. Reacting means you fight fires, you’re constantly running behind and battling with the unexpected, rather than making choices that fully contribute to what you truly want.

3. They know what they’re aiming for; where they’re heading.

You need to be clear about your aims or you could end up all over the place. Tennis players make a conscious choice to place a shot. They don’t just hit the ball and hope. You need to make conscious choices about where you want to be and ensure that every action moves you forward in the direction you want to go.

4. They see the connection between the bigger picture and the next step.

You need to know what the bigger picture is like for you and at the same time be willing to focus on the moment and take the next step forward. Tennis players know that every shot and every point counts, even if it’s early on in the game. You need to make every action you take count and continue to build on it.

5. They’re mentally and emotionally strong.

They don’t allow doubt, lack of self-belief, frustration, upsets or negative self–talk to get in their way. They’re willing to do what it takes to be strong mentally and emotionally. When you allow your emotions and mental chit–chat to affect you, you’re not so likely to perform at your best. As human beings, emotions play a big part in our lives. I’m not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions, but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to handle your emotions and stay balanced.

6. Flexibility.

Tennis players need to be flexible in their approach to each game. Each opponent is different, has different strengths and weaknesses, so they need to be flexible to change. If they lacked flexibility they wouldn’t be able to adapt to different situations and come out winning. When you’re flexible, you’re willing to consider the best approach for each particular situation.

7. Clarity.

They are clear about all the components that go together to make their game successful. Lack of clarity holds you back, keeps you in fear and doubt and can result in you taking lots of actions but which are all over the place.

Life is a game and your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to play fully.

Seven Lessons For Your Life and Business From Wimbledon
Copyright © 2003 Wendy Hearn. All rights reserved.

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