Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. – Arthur Ashe
Try to remember the first time you started exercising. Maybe you went for a short run, or maybe you and a couple friends went to the gym to life weights. Whatever it was that you were doing, it is not likely that you were very good right from the start. It is understandable that you weren’t that good at the beginning. You had never done it before. You may have had potential or were even impressive for a beginner. But, you obviously had significant room for improvement.
Many people find it difficult to start an exercise regiment for the first time because it is so easy to compare yourself to everyone else around you. Exercising for the first time is an extremely humbling experience. This is especially true when you find yourself surrounded by people who are running faster, lifting heavier weights, or pushing their bodies to a point in which you are not physically prepared to go. However, the point of beginning an exercise routine is not to compare yourself to everyone else around you. The point is to better yourself. It is a daily competition to be able to perform better every time you work out. This concept is not unique to exercising. This same approach must be taken in tennis.
Our mindset training places a heavy emphasis on self-knowledge. When you start to understand yourself as a tennis player, you can create a road map for yourself to start to improve. Maybe you have an excellent serve, but your forehand shots need improvement. This information allows you to focus your training in order to improve your overall performance. However, it is important to note that you are your own gauge. Having a growth mindset means that YOU are constantly working to improve YOUR abilities. Do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself and measuring yourself to everyone else around you. Focus on your performance and constantly seek improvement!
Try to remember the first time you started exercising. Maybe you went for a short run, or maybe you and a couple friends went to the gym to life weights. Whatever it was that you were doing, it is not likely that you were very good right from the start. It is understandable that you weren’t that good at the beginning. You had never done it before. You may have had potential or were even impressive for a beginner. But, you obviously had significant room for improvement.
Many people find it difficult to start an exercise regiment for the first time because it is so easy to compare yourself to everyone else around you. Exercising for the first time is an extremely humbling experience. This is especially true when you find yourself surrounded by people who are running faster, lifting heavier weights, or pushing their bodies to a point in which you are not physically prepared to go. However, the point of beginning an exercise routine is not to compare yourself to everyone else around you. The point is to better yourself. It is a daily competition to be able to perform better every time you work out. This concept is not unique to exercising. This same approach must be taken in tennis.
Our mindset training places a heavy emphasis on self-knowledge. When you start to understand yourself as a tennis player, you can create a road map for yourself to start to improve. Maybe you have an excellent serve, but your forehand shots need improvement. This information allows you to focus your training in order to improve your overall performance. However, it is important to note that you are your own gauge. Having a growth mindset means that YOU are constantly working to improve YOUR abilities. Do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself and measuring yourself to everyone else around you. Focus on your performance and constantly seek improvement!