Everyone wants to win but . . .
“The key is not the will to win . . . everybody has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that’s important.”
A number of great coaches are credited with this profound sports maxim. Here’s how I saw it play out in a friendly matchup.
My wife and I are recreational tennis players. We love the game, and we plan to continue playing for a long time to come.
A few years ago, we began playing with another couple who played at a similar level to our own. They probably won a few more sets than we did, but we were matched up fairly well. It was mildly competitive and a whole lot of fun. We were—and are—good friends who share a common love for the sport.
But not long after we met them, they retired. And with their extra time, they devoted themselves to becoming much better players. They didn’t just play, they practiced. They took lessons. They did drills. They grooved their strokes against a ball machine for hours on end.
Dawn and I continued to play recreational matches with virtually no actual practice. Our games have improved but not significantly.
The result? Well, I can’t remember the last time Dawn and I have won a set against them. Their game improved dramatically, and they are two of the best players in their age group in the area.
We all like to win. But to win, you have to prepare to win.
It’s true in all areas.
If you want to excel in any skill, in any profession, you have to be committed to preparation. Because spectacular achievement is always preceded by less than spectacular preparation.
What are you doing to prepare to win? What are you doing to enhance your skills and develop your talent? Are you coasting or are you digging deeper? Where have you told yourself, I’m good enough, getting by on past accomplishments and current skills?
I encourage you to set some goals on preparing yourself to take on the next challenge. And then look for some ways to measure your progress, because you can’t change what you don’t measure.
Related article: Position Yourself for Success
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