Ahhh Wimbledon.
I can’t confess to being a huge tennis buff (just watching them run around makes me sweat!) , but I do like to see what happens when it gets to the final stages of Wimbledon – the real battle.
Not just because it’s interesting to see who wins,but also because it’s interesting – and defining to see who can handle the pressure of performing under the spotlight.
The crowds , the cameras, the opponents are tough enough to deal with – but there’s is something far bigger than any of this.
It’s the stuff that’s going on inside of the players’ heads.
Their ‘self- talk’ may be well rehearsed : they’ll be telling themselves that they ‘can do this‘ and it’s theirs to win and that their thousands of hours training has set them up, ready to take the crown.
Or at least , that’s what should be going through their heads.
Yeah right. But in reality, it’s not that easy.
Doubt fights against the positive self talk: ‘he’s tougher than I thought’, ‘I’m losing it‘, ‘I’m an idiot for missing that one...’
The battle of the ‘mind game’ is a serious one, even for the fittest most accomplished players out there.
And so, on the surface we can clearly see who is playing the game well, who looks the strongest, who is the most skillful. But we can’t see who is the most fit mentally, and who uses the power of their own mind to fire up their strength and skill.
I’m not saying skill, talent or practice doesn’t help you to win – of course it does. But it’s not the defining factor. Many super talented sports people (who didn’t win) will tell you that.
Body language and micro- movements are the real signs to watch out for , but, as everyone is watching the physical game, they miss the real one.
Tennis, is intense.
Wimbledon, is even more intense.
This is a game where you are having a ‘face-off’ with your opponent.
You can see into his/her eyes.
You can see when they are struggling.
And you can take advantage of their self doubt.
Winners don’t just hold it together, they ‘ramp up ‘ their self belief.When.It. Matters.
They can talk themselves into winning. The crowds and cameras become invisible. All that matters is their (inner) strength over their opponents.
The physical size of the opponent can be intimidating…. if you let that image get into your head.
And let’s not forget that when you are at the top of your game, you are at your most vulnerable. Staying at the top becomes a mental, emotional and a physical trial.
So well done to Djokovic and Williams. Wimbledon winners 2015. Well deserved. Well played. And well managed.
Sportsmen/women …and all of you competitive people out there – take note, and believe that you can.
……Well someone has to say it, don’t they?
Amana
Straight Talking Coach, Spotlight Guru …and fearless person.