Message #199 OVERCOME ADVERSITY

Today’s message is especially dedicated to Mike, a nationally ranked tennis player in NJ.

A champion is someone who can win even when things aren’t going so well.

Someone who can push themselves when most people begin to give up.

The conditions will rarely be perfect, so you need to reach down inside in tough situations.

Here’s what the great John Wooden once said…

“To me, success isn’t outscoring someone, it’s the peace of mind that comes from self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best. That’s something each individual must determine. You can fool others, but you can’t fool yourself.

Most people are surprised to learn that in all my years at UCLA, I never once talked about winning. Instead I would tell my players before games, ‘When it’s over, I want your head up. And there’s only one way your head can be up-that’s for you to know, not me, that you gave your best effort. If you do that, then the score doesn’t really matter, although I have a feeling that if you do give your best, the score will be to your liking.’

I honestly believe that in not stressing winning as such, we won more than we would have if I’d stressed outscoring opponents.”

I’d like to add…

Focus on your strategy rather than the outcome.

Sports and life are a self-fulfilling prophecy…if you think you won’t play well because you’re not feeling well, that is the result you will get.

Don’t think “WHY did I get sick?”

Instead, think “HOW can I beat this opponent?”

If you’re going to play the game, play all out.

Thanks for reading.