Mental Moment-Playing Positive Tennis

Its time for the US Open. I love this tournament. Almost 20 years ago I was a ball girl at the US Open. The oldest (27-28) ball girl there that year. It was a blast. However this is not the only reason I love it. As the years have passed I’ve had clients play in the US Open and this year is no different.

This years client is definitely one of my most unique. She’s been a pro for 8 months and has risen to ‘stardom’ in that period of time. It’s been an amazing journey with her! I am thrilled to be working with her and even more thrilled at how well she is playing.

Why am I telling you this? I read an article today in The Wall Street Journal: Roger Federer Actually Likes Tennis. In the article he talks about how he is a ‘positive person’ which is what has gotten him through difficult times. It wasn’t always like that. When Roger was young he hated practice and couldn’t stand some matches. Now he says ‘he went through all of that so much early on, that I think this is why I’m happy’.

His recent losses to younger rivals have not crippled Roger. He does not want them to drain him. He just let’s things happen (he trusts his game skills) and moves on.

Even though this state is not easy to attain I feel this is a good lesson for any client. This is part of what I’ve helped all of my elite performers and tennis players work through and my current US Open client is no different: stay positive, play each moment and once it’s done move on (it’s not as easy as it sounds and there is a lot tangled up in this but it can be done)!

There are some lessons you need to learn on your own but you don’t have to wait until you’re 31 to learn this one.

Dr. Michelle

Photo credit:European Pressphoto Agency