THE MONDAY LEADOFF

Hi my friend 🫡

When it comes to the mental game, elite tennis players have it figured out. Roger Federer discusses the importance of progress over perfection, handling failure, and the importance of moving forward:

“Perfection is impossible. In the 1526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches. Now, I have a question for you.

What percentage of points do you think I won in those matches? Only 54%.

In other words, even top-ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play. When you lose every second point on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot.

You teach yourself to think, okay, I double-faulted ... it's only a point. Okay, I came to the net, then I got passed again; it's only a point. Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN's top 10 playlist. That, too, is just a point.

And here's why I'm telling you this. When you're playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world, and it is. But when it's behind you, it's behind you. This mindset is really crucial because it frees you to fully commit to the next point and the next point after that, with intensity, clarity, and focus.

You want to become a master at overcoming hard moments. That is, to me, the sign of a champion. The best in the world are not the best because they win every point. It's because they lose again and again and have learned how to deal with it. You accept it. Cry it out if you need to and force a smile.”

GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK

(Credit: Chris Williamson)

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

(Credit: Abraham Lincoln)

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

(Credit: Rorke Denver)

Calm is contagious.

WHAT'S BEEN WORKING

1.

Film

I just started integrating film for baseball, which has been extremely beneficial. While reviewing the tape, it was clear that some of my players' defensive footwork was out of sync. The next day, as a team, we practiced the proper footwork. In the following game, we played our best defensive game in months. I wish I started doing this years ago, but better late than never.

QUOTE I'M PONDERING

“The frame matters more than the picture.”

— Steven Bartlett

Nothing but the best,

Matt 🎯

P.S. Tapering helps athletes improve performance