by Lee-Wheeler Tomes, Managing Director, Orange Fox Studios
I love sport. Beyond the thrill of competition and the joy of victory, there’s an incredible wealth of wisdom embedded in the mentality of elite athletes. This wisdom is particularly relevant to life and business. A recent insight from tennis legend Roger Federer resonated deeply with me, and I believe it holds valuable lessons for all of us, especially for those of us who navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.
Federer, who has graced the tennis world with his elegance and skill, shared a profound truth about his sport:
“In tennis, perfection is impossible. In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80 per cent of those matches. Now, I have a question for all of you: what percentage of the points do you think I won in those matches? Only 54 per cent.”
“In other words, even top-ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play. When you lose every second point, on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot.”
“When you’re playing a point, it is the most important thing in the world. But when it’s behind you, it’s behind you. This mindset is really crucial because it frees you to fully commit to the next point, and the next one after that, with intensity, clarity and focus.”
“The truth is, whatever game you play in life, sometimes you’re going to lose. A point, a match, a season, a job, it’s a rollercoaster, with many ups and downs. The best in the world are not the best because they win every point. It’s because they know they’ll lose again and again, and have learnt how to deal with it.”
As a business owner, particularly in the creative industry, I can’t count on one hand the number of times I haven’t won a pitch that I poured my soul into or lost out on a big contract or opportunity. Each loss can feel like a punch to the gut, a painful reminder of the challenges we face. Yet, it’s in these moments of defeat that the seeds of resilience are sown.
The Importance of Resilience and Determination
Running a business requires superhuman levels of resilience and determination. Like Federer on the tennis court, we must learn to deal with losses and setbacks without letting them derail our focus or dampen our spirit. The ability to bounce back from failure, to view each setback as a learning opportunity rather than a definitive end, is crucial.
Federer’s insight teaches us that perfection is an illusion. Even the greatest in their field don’t win every point. The same applies to business. We might not win every pitch or secure every deal, but that doesn’t diminish our potential for success. Each setback is a chance to refine our strategies, strengthen our resolve, and approach the next challenge with greater clarity and focus.
Focusing on the Present Moment
Another key lesson from Federer is the importance of focusing on the present moment. When you’re playing a point, it’s the most important thing in the world. But once it’s over, it’s behind you. This mindset is incredibly liberating. It frees us from the paralysis of dwelling on past mistakes and allows us to fully commit to the next opportunity with intensity and purpose.
In business, this means putting our best effort into each task, each pitch, each project, without being bogged down by past failures. It means understanding that each moment is an opportunity to improve, to excel, and to move closer to our goals.
Embracing the Rollercoaster
Finally, Federer’s words remind us that life and business are like a rollercoaster, with many ups and downs. The best in the world are not those who never fail, but those who learn to deal with failure. Embracing this truth helps us maintain perspective and resilience through the inevitable highs and lows.
As entrepreneurs, we must develop a mindset that embraces challenges and sees them as integral to our journey. By doing so, we can maintain our passion and drive, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the mentality of elite athletes like Roger Federer offers profound lessons for life and business. By adopting a resilient mindset, focusing on the present, and embracing the rollercoaster of experiences, we can navigate our own paths to success with determination and grace.
#resilience #strongmentality #belief #focus #clarity
