TSSI #1 – Winning Doesn’t Always Equal Success
Read Time: 3 Minutes
Today, I’m going to teach you the mindset behind becoming extraordinary at what you do.
If you’re able to adopt these philosophies, they will allow you to become the best version of yourself, improve at a much faster rate, compete with more freedom and perform at a higher level consistently.
Unfortunately, too many people are rigid and stuck in the mindset of winning and losing. They only focus on external results.
This mindset causes fear, anxiety, tightness, chocking and never performing to their full potential.
Winning doesn’t always equal success.
The mindset that it takes to become exceptional is one that few people possess.
Here are some of the key concepts that you’ll take away from today:
You can win, but not be successful
You can lose, and it still be a success
Success is a lifelong pursuit of excellence and personal growth
Success isn’t always related to performance on the court
Let’s take a deeper look at what success is.
My Definition of Success
Late in my career I came across the work of John Wooden, the most winning NCAA basketball coach of all time. In his last 12 years as coach of UCLA mens basketball, they won 10 NCAA Championships.
His definition of success is:
"the peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming."
This hugely resonated with me.
Ultimately, all that we’re capable of doing is doing our best to improve, and giving ourselves the best chance of winning in the long-term.
Results are out of our control.
Control what you can control. Give your best effort = Success.
2. You Can Succeed Even If You Lose
If you truly buy into the philosophy that success is the peace of mind that you get from giving your best to become the best you’re capable of becoming, then you can absolutely lose, and be successful.
If you do the right things on the tennis court, fight hard, never give up until the last point is over and still lose, then you can look yourself in the mirror and be satisfied.
If you adopt this mindset, you may lose the battle. But you will win the war.
For example, if you play a brand of tennis that is going to take you to a higher level, and commit to this brand no matter what, then you will put yourself in a position to move up the levels.
In the short-term your results might be a little up and down, and you may be uncomfortable. However, in the long-term you’ll develop so much quicker and rise through the levels.
Some days your opponent is just better. But you can still give your best performance possible. And that to me is success.
3. Personal Growth and the Impact on Others
As you embark on the journey of becoming the best that you can be (which is what I define as success) you not only improve your craft, but also you develop as a person.
I truly believe that winning alone does not mean that you’re successful. The impact that you have on other’s in your pursuit of a goal also matters.
You character is a huge part of your success.
You can win and win. But if you do it in a selfish, arrogant and unsportsmanlike way, then to me that is not success.
Develop a strong character. Build positive relationships. Make a positive impact in the world.
Roger. Rafa. Two champions with impeccable characters.
4. This Mindset Helps You Win More
You may have some doubts that this philosophy is a little “fluffy” and for losers. You may be thinking “sport is about winning. You can’t be a successful loser.”
Believe me, your ability to focus on giving your true best effort and buying into the process of becoming better rather than fixating on the outcome 100% gives you a better chance at winning.
I know this to be true from personal experience.
In a skill based sport like tennis that is incredibly complex, the more you desire and focus on a result, the less likely you are to achieve it.
So focus on giving your best and playing in a way that will make you better in the long-term (our definition of success) and it will free you up to win more matches in the short-term.
Concluding
Success is not solely based on external accomplishments or material possessions, but rather on personal growth, improvement and the pursuit of excellence.
Measure your success in terms of your effort, personal growth, character and the impact that you have on others.
If you have 15 more minutes, please watch this Ted Talk by Valarie Kondos Field:
