Ok. So I've been away for a little bit. This is coming a little late but I hope it was worth the wait. These were 9 things that stood out to me during the just concluded Australian Open 2012. They are all points to consider in life or business or both!
Ok, ok, it’s coming late because I just recovered from jumping and doing cartwheels while screaming Nole! Nole! Nole! during and after the men's finals! (wink)
Enjoy!
1. That you are losing doesn't mean you should look like a loser. Sabine Lisicki always looked like she was in a comfortable lead even when she wasn't; tough but doable. Keep a good attitude even when you are behind, even if you lose you will come out stronger. Sabine lost but she gained the admiration of all and was the star of the match for me.
2. That you are number one doesn't mean you've won the game. Sam Stosur left in the first round even when the chips were in her favour against her relatively unknown opponent.
3. That if you don't play by the rules, your points don't count. So don't worry if you see people making progress through dubious means. Anyone can score a point but the only ones that decide if you win or lose are those that count.
4. That every player makes unforced errors no matter how long you practice or how good a hitter you are. The important thing is not to whine about the errors and make sure you focus on putting in more winners. You win when you get more winners in than errors and not by not making any errors at all.
5. Never ever, ever give up. The game isn't over until it ends. That you lose the first set doesn't mean you will lose the match; as long as you don't go around looking like all is lost. Get over it and keep going!
6. Don't kill your instruments a la Marcos Baghdatis. It’s not the racket's fault you didn't get the points in. Everyone has a bad spell on the court; don't let your emotional breakdown be more memorable than the match. Even if you want to put it behind you, be sure there are people who won't let you forget.
7. Go into the court ready to give it everything you've got, even if your opponent is a huge, muscular, fierce looking female like Serena Williams. Size isn't the point, the strength of your spirit is. Trust that your skill and preparation will get you through, even if the situation doesn't seem to show that.
8. That consistency is key. That you produce 4 straight aces to win a service game is fantastic. Just be sure you can produce the aces under pressure when you are 2 sets down. If not, it’s just a flash in the pan. It makes you a good ace producer, not a good player.
9. That the birth of a child is not the end of your career. It could actually mark the most exciting time of your life. Ask Kim Clijsters. Yea, there goes your ace excuse (excuse the pun).
