Game, Set and Match - the power of a positive mind-set
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The gasps of shock and amazement ricocheted around Centre Court when Sergiy Stakhovsky, ranked world number 116, beat 17 times Grand Slam Champion Federer at Wimbledon. A jaw-dropping victory, hot on the heels of Nadal’s defeat at the hands of Steve Darcis ranked only 135 in the world.
With two of the top seeded players knocked out of Wimbledon in the first week – you have to admire the winning mind-set and self-belief of Darcis and Stakhovsky. But what lessons can we learn from watching a game of tennis?
Your advantage – self-belief
Building a positive mind-set is a fundamental part of a professional tennis player’s coaching programme. Focusing on the psychological element of the game, allows them to be the best they possibly can. This same approach applies to our lives and in particular our careers– self-belief is crucial to success.
Ace the competition
Focus on the positive and believe in your own abilities. This gives you the confidence to go out into the workplace and compete – whether it’s setting up a business, looking for a job or changing careers. Establish how healthy your mind-set is by turning to your “inner gremlin” – what you are saying to yourself. Is it negative or positive? Does it help you to succeed and fulfill your potential? Or does it plant seeds of doubt and hold you back in some way?
What the deuce…?
Beliefs are self-fulfilling – if you go into an interview thinking “There’s no way I’m going to get this job because so many people have applied”, the chances are you’ll be more nervous and inadvertently prove yourself right!. Take inspiration from the words of Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves”. This way you can get out of a “deuce” stalemate and turn the situation to your advantage
Deciding Point
Make an active decision to be kind to yourself, think of the advice you would give a good friend and listen to it. You may want to talk to a career coach to help transform your inner confidence and self-belief.
Andy Murray has credited his coach Ivan Lendl with improving his mindset in the lead up to Wimbledon: “The mindset is still similar in that I come in wanting to try and win…(but) I think in some ways I feel that I’m putting less pressure on myself.”
Let’s hope that with his winning mind-set, drive and ability, we will be cheering Andy Murray on to becoming the first British Wimbledon Champion since Fred Perry in 1936.
Strawberries and cream anyone….?
For further information about how to gain greater confidence and self–belief, please contact fiona@inspiredmums.co.uk
