The Secret to Never Losing Another Game In Tennis

Answering an advertisement in a newspaper stating, "The Secret of Never Losing Another Game in Tennis for only $99.95" offered by the only "undefeated" tennis player alive, a young man cut out the reply address form, filled out his name and address, wrote out a check for $99.95, enclosed the reply address form and check into an envelope, and wrote the mailing address on envelope to a Post Office Box in Chicago, Illinois, stamped the envelope and placed the envelop in the mail.  

Day after day, the young man anxiously awaited the arrival of the "secret” in the mail. He wondered if this was a scam and if he wasted $99.95. In anticipation of receiving the secret, he stopped practicing his serves, put away all his tennis books and videos, and even boasted to the club champion that he would be "meat" on Saturday. After all, he was getting the "secret."

Finally, the day arrived, and in his mailbox was a red envelope marked 'Confidential.' Anxiously opening the envelope, his heart sank as he read the single piece of paper.  The Secret to Never Losing Another Game in Tennis -- 'Don't Play Anyone Better Than You.'

Sometimes, we look for the easy way out. We get lazy, take shortcuts, and look for quick answers. We don’t take the time to research the problem or don’t want to get involved. When it comes to being a better person, a more resilient leader, or even a winning tennis player, you must put aside the fear of losing and understand that hard work is the only path to success. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t give up. Become the better version of yourself.

This Friday, if you get the urge to dodge a difficult meeting or project, avoid calling a distant family member or friend, or feel you are becoming a less loving spouse, friend, or person, please recall this story of the tennis player. You and I are in a constant process of “becoming" someone better than we were yesterday —believe in yourself, pray for guidance, work hard, and always play someone better than you. 

Until Next Friday,

Rob