Nervous about an upcoming match? Think about this.
With the first league match of the season coming up this Thursday I strangely found myself feeling anxious about it as it neared.
It wasn't my usual optimistic, "just have fun out there" vibe.
Would I get nerves and start blowing serves? Would I deviate from my mental strategy and lose focus?
I was feeling the pressure and couldn't wait for the match to be over. I was thinking about all the wrong things.
What started as a fun way to play matches, travel to new clubs, and meet new players suddenly turned into a chore for some reason. It was time for a reboot.
So here's how I got my head back on track. Here is how I absolutely can't wait for that match - and here's how you can do it too.
We're lucky to even play at all
While it's easy to get caught in the intricacies of the game and string gauge, we have to take a step back and remember just how lucky we are to even play - at all.
A lot of people never even get the opportunity to try to play tennis.
Many don't get an opportunity to improve, or don't live in an area where they can play. Let alone play competitively.
So while we're complaining about someone hitting junk balls or too many drop shots, just remember how lucky we are to even be here.
Try to see just how good we have it and things will start to get real good for you.
If you play tennis, you have it good.
What's the worst that could happen?
Accept that the worst score outcome is you lose 0-6, 0-6.
Now what?
You accept it, learn from it, and improve.
Maybe the other player was on fire that day and has been working at it harder than you. Maybe you aren't as in shape as you thought you'd be right now. Maybe it's time to put more work in.
Accept that even though scores can be embarrassing, you're still playing tennis.
And if you're playing tennis, you're winning either way. At least you're not stuck at work.
Get to a good place
We want to play our best, but we can't get there unless we're in the right mindset first. You have to be coming from a good place beforehand.
Take a minute to remember those unforgettable fun sessions with friends that got us here. Let those memories and that positive vibe be the core of your thoughts.
For example try turning that nervous thought of "what if I choke and embarrass myself" to "my goal is to truly have fun out there and enjoy it".
With the primary goal of having fun I'll be able to relax and hit free, and laugh off the shanks.
Good always wins, my friend.
It's all about perspective
So over the past couple days as I've been incorporating these ideas I feel like the weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Now we can focus on the good mental stuff like mentally rehearsing winning strokes, and visualizing yourself as a winner.
My main goal is to have fun and walk (hopefully not limp) away with a smile.
Maybe even put smiles on other people's faces.
So what's your trick for dealing with these upcoming matches? Let me know, I'd love to hear it.
See you out there.
