The Joy of Preparation
Last March, after a two year break from playing National tournaments due to life, in general, interfering, I entered the Indoor Championships in Houston. It felt great to be out there on the court, competing. I had missed it. Now, one year later, I am on my way to Houston again. It has been a memorable year of playing and I look forward to more of what makes this experience so special for me.
Competing. It raises me. It comes with lots of great stuff. I get to prepare by being organized in setting up practice sessions with lots of different players. I get to be committed, never cancelling a practice session even on those days that I might prefer to skip it. I get to work on being aware of how I am doing, where my focus is, and to, day by day, create my personal template for success. I get to work on those things in my game that are missing, like new strategies or gaps in my mental game. I get to eliminate what doesn’t help, like negative thinking or doubt about myself. I get to work on the hard things, like eating right, hitting the shots that I need to hit in pressure moments, and going to the gym and working on parts of my body that say “no, this is too hard.” I get to look for opportunities in the day where I am tense and to use those moments to train in relaxation, both mental and physical. For over 35 years I have been lucky to be able to have to do all of this so that I am ready to compete. When I started, it was all about winning and losing. The external results. Now, though, it is about bringing the best version of myself. The joy of competing is in the internal work that takes me to another level of who I am.
My on-court training is as it has always been. Good days. Bad days. Focused days. Distracted days. Sets won sometimes, but mostly losses. Losses as I choose to play people that are much better than me. I measure my progress against these strong opponents by how the details of my game are coming along. Am I hitting more of my spots on my serve. Am I staying courageous on second serves. Am I making more first shots after serves and returns. Am I closing to the net when I get someone in trouble. Am I maintaining my balance on my running forehands. Funny, I notice as I am writing that I keep using the words “am I.” Funny because my big goal is to simply be “I am.” I am is my state of presence that helps me stay grounded when in the midst of the storms of competing.
One of my last days of practice was against my very best practice partner: Jeff Salzenstein. Jeff is a former top 100 tour player who was an All American at Stanford. At 40 years old his game is still lights out. When we got on the court he asked me what I needed from him. I told him that I wanted him to play at his highest level. Take it to me. Don’t hold back. Even though I would be unlikely to keep up with him, I knew that if he played too within himself (customer tennis) he would, unintentionally, not end points or hit the shot that my tournament opponents would hit. So I was prepared to fail. To “fail. Fail again. Fail better.” And that would be how I would keep climbing my ladder to my best game.
We had a great hit. Being that I did lose most of the rallies, when we were done I was a bit disappointed. Most points ended with my error or him hitting a monster winner off a weak shot that I played. I just felt that I could have stayed with him longer or hit a few more winners. I was annoyed that I didn’t make more returns off his 120+ mph serves. This distortion is the “age distortion” that Andre Agassi talked about when he first played Andy Roddick. Andre, when asked how it felt to play someone who was in diapers when Andre won his first tour matches said,“when I look across the court I always feel that my opponent is my age or I am his age. In between the lines, there is no age.” So here I was, 30 years Jeff’s senior and feeling that same way. Thankfully just after we were done I got to hit for a few minutes with someone in my age/level. The time that I felt I didn’t have was there. I felt like I was playing under water. I was balanced. I could execute my shots. I stopped over hitting. I remembered why I play people who are so tough for me. I was rewarded for doing the hard thing.
Thanks to my practice partners who always bring their best: Kurt Brakhage, Jay Burch, Neil Kearney, Lars Hoffmann, Pat Perrin, Brad Bernthal, Jeff Salzenstein, Jake Thamm and Andy Chernaik. For Kirk Anthony, who continues to train me in the gym. For pushing me to do the hard stuff and for ignoring my kvetching. My “medical team” that keeps me free from nagging injuries: Helen Grigg, Kevin Reichlin, Joe Sweeney. And, of course, Jo Ann Litwin, who patiently listens, endlessly, to my ongoing dialogue of my self discovery during my preparation.
Singles draw
https://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=232078#&&s=7Draws3
Doubles draw:
https://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=232078#&&s=7Draws5
Here is your exclusive list of best five alternative sites to WorldStarHipHop which will provide you similar music experience.
Funny Things To Ask Alexa: You have been with Amazon Echo when it comes to the basics, like turning on the TV or playing music, but now it about time to kick
We bring you complete details about Rtx 2070 Vs Gtx 1080 performance which you can use to make the right decision.
This instructive blog is working for the improvement of the understudies to help them in getting the hang of something refreshed and astounding. Such websites are elusive and put forth a valiant effort in finishing their quality instruction on schedule and they are often used academic writing services uk to manage their quality and to clean their abilities.
An Amazing story Mr. Bob Litwin, I would like to hear some more of your stories, it’s just fascinating. I am also a writer at the top essay writing services UK, and I would be happy if you share some of your work with me in the reply.
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! Airco Diest
I haven’t any word to appreciate this post…..Really i am impressed from this post….the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. Lead generation
Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. Airco Bekkevoort
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. Leads
It is an excellent blog, I have ever seen. I found all the material on this blog utmost unique and well written. And, I have decided to visit it again and again. Airco Herk-de-Stad
Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. Leadgeneratie
In the world of www, there are countless blogs. But believe me, this blog has all the perfection that makes it unique in all. I will be back again and again. Airco Heusden-Zolder
It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks. Ramen Leuven
I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. Warmtepompen Limburg
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. Ramen en deuren Leuven
This article is an appealing wealth of useful informative that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information. I know it very well that if anyone visits your blog, then he/she will surely revisit it again. Airco Leuven
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing Leads
It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works! Warmtepomp Hasselt
Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that “The content of your post is awesome” Great work. PVC ramen Leuven
Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! Airco Diepenbeek
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! Aluminium ramen Leuven
Best work you have done, this online website is cool with great facts and looks. I have stopped at this blog after viewing the excellent content. I will be back for more qualitative work. Airco Lanaken
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can’t wait to read lots of your posts. Leads genereren
I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the endeavors that you have made in writing this article. All the content is absolutely well-researched. Thanks… Airco Bilzen
Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. Leads kopen
Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. Ramen Leuven
A great content material as well as great layout. Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. I will be back soon for further quality contents. SEO
Excellent website! I adore how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am questioning how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. Looking for more new updates. Have a great day! Leadgeneration
You have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. Ramen en deuren Leuven
Attractive, post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have liked browsing your blog posts. After all, I will surely subscribe to your feed, and I hope you will write again soon! SEO zoekmachine optimalisatie
There are lots of dissertation internet websites on-line since you attain web famous from the site.
The kitchen is the heart of every house, and here at Enclave Remodeling Inc. we make sure that such an important part of the house gets the attention it deserves. Our design experts would go over all the design options for your kitchen with you and create a design that would both functional and beautiful, so you would get the kitchen you always wanted.
It is actually in a similar fashion an awesome write-up i always most certainly savored investigating. It’s not at all really day-to-day i always cultivate the method to seek out a single thing.
特胃能® Dexilant®屬於改良型釋放質子泵抑制劑(Modified-Release Proton-Pump inhibitor, MR-PPI)1,含有效成份右旋蘭索拉唑 (Dexlansoprazole),已獲得美國4及香港的醫學藥物監管機構3批准使用,可24小時有效舒緩胃酸倒流症狀1。胃藥推薦香港
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. เว็บพนันออนไลน์ฝากถอนไม่มีขั้นต่ํา
Just contact us here for cash for truck in Melbourne. We are the top truck wrecker here in Melbourne. We wreck unwanted or damaged trucks, scrap cars, and junks. We purchase them for wrecking and then add them to our collection. We are paying not just decent and top cash but we also pay instant cash for cars as well. On the same day, you sell your car, you will have your cash as well. You’ve got any old truck to sell? We will be happily buying them from you whatever their state is.
Orion Car Buyer Geelong offers you car removal services to take the stress out. We offer you car Buyer in Geelong and surrounding areas and offer you instant cash on spot for junk cars, 4WDs, Vans and all types of vehicles including trucks. We have a team of professionals, who have expertise in doing their jobs in right way and provide you with instant cash along with complete peace of mind.
We are the best Movers in Westchester County NY. Find the best long distance Westchester movers. Call us today for more information.Moving Company in westchester
This is also a very good article that I really enjoyed reading. It’s not every day that I get to see something like this. Hope you will have many more good articles to share with us. If you have more time, please visit:
among us
These things are vital, great think so – I suspect as much as well… ฝากถอนไม่มีขั้นต่ำ ระบบออโต้
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers 카지노사이트
Thank you sharing this article. I came here accidently, actually I was looking or the Hnd Computing Assignments and just saw this article. It was really well and to be honest I enjoyed a lot reading it.
available at your service! Just a few clicks and your essay will be tailored by a writer who has done a double Ph.D. in journalism and social sciences. So what are you waiting for?
Whether you’re stuck in a rut or just want solid advise to push ahead, this article provides 12 helpful recommendations gleaned from two decades of dissertation coaching and PhD work.
These things are vital, great think so – I suspect as much as well… เว็บตรง
Great Topics!I have read all the content of this topic.
That’s the reason center on it’s essential to precise ground moves well before writing. Might be attainable so that you can extra advisable text that way.
Nice information. Also looking for [url=http://contentwritingservice.ae/]content writer companies in dubai[/url]. As you provide this information will impact us.
Nice information. You can also look for content writer companies in dubai. As you provide this information will impact us.
Every human being lives on hope, and hope is another name for happiness. Thank you so much for proving this by telling the facts and events in the best possible way.
A roofer will come to your home or business and replace or repair your roof. Painting contractors will paint the exterior of your home or business. Plumbers can fix leaks, clogs and other problems with pipes. The Home Repair Services in Quincy MA deliver the quality work as your desire requirements.
Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. Zonnepanelen installateur Pepingen
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. Accumulatieverwarming
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Zonnepanelen installateur Rotselaar
Well-Written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can’t pause to read more posts. Thanks for the precious help. Thuisbatterij kopen
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. Zonnepanelen installateur Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
Hey, this day is too much good for me, since this time I am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. Thanks a lot for massive hard work. Zwembad aanleggen
Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional expand. Regards. Zonnepanelen installateur Sint-Genesius-Rode
Great job here on _______ I read a lot of blog posts, but I never heard a topic like this. I Love this topic you made about the blogger’s bucket list. Very resourceful. Polyester zwembaden
I can’t imagine focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material. This is great content. Zonnepanelen installateur Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you. Inox zwembaden
Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! Zonnepanelen installateur Steenokkerzeel
You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views…hope more people will read this article!!! Monoblok zwembaden
Your blog has piqued a lot of real interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. I appreciate your efforts very much. Zonnepanelen installateur Ternat
I’m glad I found this web site, I couldn’t find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site. Keramische zwembad
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Zonnepanelen installateur Tervuren
Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, Vinylester zwembaden
The content is utmost interesting! I have completely enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great, and your efforts are outstanding! Zonnepanelen installateur Tielt-Winge
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I’ll be sure to check back again real soon. Aanleggen zwembad
Hi there! Nice material, do keep me posted when you post something like this again! I will visit this blog leaps and bounds for more quality posts like it. Thanks… Zonnepanelen installateur Tienen
Your articles are inventive. I am looking forward to reading the plethora of articles that you have linked here. Thumbs up! LPW zwembadmodellen
Excellent to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Rightly, this article that I’ve been served for therefore long. I want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has the same topic together with your article. Thanks for the ton of valuable help, nice share. Zonnepanelen installateur Vilvoorde
I have seen some great stuff here. Worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. Your work is truly appreciated around the clock and the globe. Zwembad monoblok
Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! Zonnepanelen installateur Wemmel
Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. Zwembad plaatsen in de tuin
Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. Zonnepanelen installateur Tremelo
I appreciate this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so interested in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. Your blog is really impressive. Zwembad laten bouwen
A number of dissertation websites on the internet online in the event you obtain clearly declared in the website.https://the1roses.com
There are numerous dissertation online sites on the internet are living grab unsurprisingly identified inside the sites.https://talis-us.com/collections/bird-cage
There are numerous dissertation online sites on the internet are living grab unsurprisingly identified inside the sites.https://www.a1plumbersbristol.co.uk/
There are many dissertation websites while using the net as soon as you grow to be simply mentioned in the website.https://g.page/A1plumbersbristol?share
There are numerous dissertation websites on-line because you additionally obtain obviously stated inside your web site.https://pslogistics.com.au/