The Beast of High Expectations 11
My first competition of the year is two weeks away and I have been in the toughest period of my tennis life.
Why now?
Focus
Competition Calling My Name 7
I have been competing as a senior tennis player for 30 years. I have been fortunate to have had an incredible run during these years. I had results beyond my dreams and, more importantly, I have become a different person as a result of being in the heat of competition
Life Lessons from the Australian Open 12
For two weeks, as a spectator and player, I was wowed by the special moments of play that were demonstrated by Dimitrov, Wawrinka, Ivanovic, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Cibulkova, Li Na and so many others. The shots they can hit, the level of consistency of their play, and the coverage around the court so complete that it is hard to relate for the rest of us who play.
Forget About New Year’s Resolutions : Instead Write Your Best Story 9
Many people write resolutions for the New Year. When I am with my family, I will spend less time on my cell. I will get to work earlier, make this amount of money, go to the gym 3 times a week and get more fit. It’s a story you hear a lot: people write goals and then don’t think about them again for another year. In the world of storytelling we call that a bad story, a story that doesn’t work. It’s 2014, and it’s time for something different. Something simpler. Something that actually works.
Process vs. Results and Being #1 in the World 7
While at Tennis Congress USA a couple of weeks ago I was giving a presentation “Storytelling: A World Champion’s Secret to Playing the Best Game of Your Life” and was pleased to see Jeff Greenwald in attendance. He is a former #1 in the World 35 and 45 and over player and a top San Francisco based sports psychologist.
Resistance, Stretching and the War of Art 11
Recently I had the honor of meeting Phil Wharton, one of the geniuses in the field of stretching and mobility.
I have been fortunate to study or meet many teachers who are absolute masters in their fields including Steven Covey, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Tony Robbins, Tony Schwartz, Jim Loehr, Eckhart Tolle, Jerry Lynch, Nick Saviano, Ron Rebhuhn, Sean Achor, John Sarno, John Wooden and many others…
Add Phil Wharton to that list.
Federer, Belief and the Power of a Good Story 82
“Belief is the scepter of all champions. It’s the way they command respect from their competitors. It’s how they coordinate their amazing talents. In the end, it’s the difference between the legends and the other supremely talented stars.
A New Model for Tennis Improvement? 1474
Just back from The US Tennis Congress, a remarkable weekend in Atlanta, attended by over 200 recreational players all wanting to grow their games. Eager for information these players were welcomed by 60 of the most passionate informed tennis coaches in the World.
Victory 24
A morning not too different than any other morning. Breakfast with Jo Ann reading the NY Times. Feeling pretty chilled. Happy and grateful for my life.
Then time to get down to the serious preparation for a big competition.
Winning the National Doubles and Advancing to Singles Final 21
A successful day on the courts is when you play well and win, especially when challenged by good players who are playing well too. Today was a successful day for me.