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My Guide to Mental Toughness
The Frustrated Player.
Over the years, there have been times when I’ve struggled with the mental side of the game. I think everyone does to some extent. Climbing the ladder can be a tough. Even when things are seemingly going great there are times when the frustrations and anger come on board. Especially on the match court, we’re exposed to a whole range of emotions, often all within one match. Nervousness, excitement, joy, anger, frustration, relief, self-pity, fury. The question is:
How do we deal with the emotions that stop us from playing our best tennis?
I think this is a question that we all have. We all know that the negative thoughts and emotions stop us playing our best tennis. But there isn’t really a clear answer as to how we deal with these challenges. Sure, we can discuss positive self talk, visualisation and a whole range of other techniques, but it’s all a bit complicated. When we just got broken to go 5-4 down in the second and we feel like bursting with anger, is it as simple as talking positively to ourselves or imagining ourselves playing well? No, not really. It’s almost an impossible task.
But there is a way to overcome these emotions. It’s simple and doesn’t involve fighting with your emotions. It’s called Mindfulness.
For years I read psychology books and tried to apply many of the principles to no avail. Then, I was taught mindfulness and it completely simplified everything for me. We live in a world where there is so much information out there. Everyone has their opinion and everyone has a different method of doing things. In all this information, we get lost. We don’t know the right way. What we really need is simplicity. Something that will work for all scenarios. Every situation. Without having to think too much or force things.
That simplicity is “The Mindfulness Method”. I learnt it when I was 22 years old and it took me from being unranked and recovering from shoulder surgery to 319 ATP.
Now, when I get ahead of myself and get tight about serving for the match, I use “The Mindfulness Method.” When I lose a set and I’m feeling angry, I use “The Mindfulness Method.” It’s simple and it’s effective. It’s been a huge part of my success over the last couple years, and it’s a huge part of the success of many other top professionals who have achieved far more than I have in this sport.
If you want clarity and simplicity, a way to handle every situation that you encounter on the tennis court, a tool that will allow you to play with commitment and freedom in virtually and competitive situation – learn the principles of “The Mindfulness Method.”