I don’t really consider myself to be a sports fan. But don’t try to talk to me during the four fortnights a year that comprise the weeks of grand slam tennis. What is it about those events that I find so stirring? I’m a sucker for stories of the human condition and following grand slam tennis is like being involved in an epic Russian novel. It has it all- sometimes contained in a single match- the drama of athletes alone on the court battling it out under great pressure: the unpredictably shifting fates of easy wins and grueling losses, the hope and despair, the loneliness of the battle and the connection with the capricious crowds. I admire the mental toughness that separates the champions from the merely great.
This past US Open, I marveled at many such athletes but especially at the 19 year-old women’s champion Bianca Andreescu. A year prior, Andreescu was battling back injury, ranked 152nd in the world and did not even qualify for the US Open. She then came back and not only qualified but beat Serena Williams, the greatest champion of all time, to clinch the title. How does she do it? To be sure she has enormous natural talents, an extraordinary work ethic, and a great team supporting her. But the most impressive aspect is her mental toughness under pressure, which is crucial for all elite athletes, but for singles tennis in particular.
Andreescu has been very public about the importance of her mental training and about having a mindful meditation practice since the age of 12. In a press conference she was coy about her particular methods (not wanting to reveal trade secrets!) but did let leak one I found interesting. She stated that starting a few years ago she began the practice of writing a check to herself for the amount of the championship purse ($3.85 million for 2019). What a bold visualization!
Not to suggest that if I write myself a check for 4 mil it will suddenly appear, but Andreescu is onto something. Many are talented in various ways and work hard. But what makes a champion is the ability to maintain focus despite loss, injury, crowds turning against you, etc. and still come back and win. Keeping calm with a daily mindful meditation practice and razor-sharp eye on her goals helped Andreescu beat the odds and win.
I would love to hear from you- when you have a goal, what helps you keep your eyes on the prize?
Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash