Hi there,
It was a great match. Rafael Nadal beats the used to be unbeatable Roger Federer. I’m fascinated by how champions become champions and even more so, how they remain champions.
So I listened carefully to the after-match interview when Rafa was asked “what he would be doing tomorrow.” Here’s what he said; “even if it is only 30 minutes I will be practicing on grass for my next match at Wimbledon.” (!) Amazing.
The day after his huge championship win at the French Open, the champion will be practicing – if only for 30 minutes. He’s saying and living this belief: consistency and self-discipline are essential ingredients in his success recipe! He MUST adhere to his practice routine, even if it’s for a short period of time; he must send a signal to his brain that excellence is all he will accept. I just love that.
What tremendous respect for his sport he shows with that decision. And what awesome self-discipline.
Champions have routines and they stick to them…no matter what they are feeling like or what they might be celebrating. Now granted, the routine may not need to be daily…but if it is what is needed (and committed to) during certain seasons of productivity then it must be honored if you want champion-like outcomes.
Earlier in the interview, describing his approach to when he wasn’t playing his best – the first 10 days of this tournament, he spoke about “trying always to think positively about his game and about his practice” and “practicing every day with an open mind, trying to find solutions.”
He focused on the positive, kept practicing and kept his mind where it needed to be. He lined up his emotions, with his mental life with his actions; very powerful alignment.
And THAT is what champions must do if “extreme achievement” is the goal. THAT is a recipe for success.
Wishing you abundant success!
♥~