Entries by admin

MESSAGE #849 TENNIS (AND LIFE) STARTS AT LOVE…

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”-SAM KEEN This quote is not just about personal relationships, it’s about athletic teams, work teams and ANY type of relationship you may have. You’re never going to find the perfect mate.You’re never going to find the […]

MESSAGE #848 THANKSGIVING WAS YESTERDAY…AND TODAY…

I went to a Thanksgiving celebration yesterday. I couldn’t decide what to bring… A bottle of wine?Dessert? No, think outside of the box, Ed. So I called on the great Dr. Bob Emmons at UC Davis, the authority on Gratitude, author of “Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier,” and Editor […]

MESSAGE #847 THE PURSUIT OF PERFECT…

Tal Ben-Shahar is the author of “Happier” and “The Pursuit of Perfect.” He has also taught one of the most popular courses at Harvard. Yesterday, I asked Tal, who was Israeli national squash champion, if he ever felt like NOT practicing. Tal said that quite often he didn’t feel like practicing, but “feelings are irrelevant, […]

MESSAGE #846 CHOP WOOD, CARRY WATER…

In Zen there is a saying, “Chop wood, carry water.” This means, focus on the task at hand. Abraham Lincoln said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Others say, “Stay in the present moment.” When I give lessons, I tell my students to take pride in every aspect of the lesson, including picking up […]

MESSAGE #845 JORDAN VS TSENG…

JORDAN: Focus on the little things.TSENG: Focus on your weaknesses, as well as your strengths. JORDAN: Don’t think about the prize; think about the work.TSENG: Focus on the process, not the product. JORDAN: Use tough losses for motivation.TSENG: You either win or you learn. JORDAN: Nervousness is not a bad thing.TSENG: If you’re not nervous, […]

MESSAGE #844 WHAT MOTIVATES ME…

Today’s message is especially dedicated to Devin Burke at Florida Atlantic University and Tom Hay in Memphis. Happy Birthday to two peak performers. Many people ask me what motivates me. Last night I got motivated. I spoke to two classes at Montclair State University. Motivating others motivates me. What does that mean to you? The […]

MESSAGE #843 THIRSTY?…

“Everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.”-HERACLITUS This blog is not designed to give you something to drink. This blog is to make you thirsty. Thirsty to go all out…every day. One of the facts of life and peak performance is impermanence. Nothing lasts forever. Wins, trophies, money, vacations, sunny […]

MESSAGE #842 TRUTH ABOUT ANDRE AGASSI…

“I only care about being better than yesterday.”-ANDRE AGASSI, author of “Open” Is Andre Agassi a crystal meth addict?Is Andre Agassi just trying to sell a lot of books?Is Andre Agassi a cheater? Everyone has their own opinion on the hottest topic in the sports world. Here’s mine… I don’t believe that taking “crystal meth” […]

MESSAGE #840 ANDRE AGASSI, PART II…

Andre and “Center Stage” host, Michael Kay “Game. Set. Life.” Only on Yes! Andre reading “Game. Set. Life.”Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. I was invited to a private taping of the “Center Stage” show in New York City. The host: Michael KayThe guest: Andre AgassiMy seat: Second row, center I […]