Rafael Nadal exemplifies grit, perspective, hard work, discipline and motivation. Asked today about John McEnroe’s belief that if Nadal stays fit he could bag at least 12 Grand Slams, Rafa laughed. “I’ll see what happens at the end of my career,” Nadal responded.  “I’m very happy to have seven Grand Slams already. This is more than I dreamed of. I feel very lucky.  If I still improve my tennis I hope I have more chances to win. I just want to keep fighting to play well. I want enough motivation to keep practicing and get on the court. This is what I have done all my life.”

Rafa’s matter of fact comments about his “chances” or about winning or losing always shift the conversation to a love of the game, a love of the process. Mastery. Discipline. Growth. Rafa believes you show up with your hard hat to work, focus on each moment, each shot, each point, and eventually…the Grand Slams come. He does not expect it nearly as much as he expects to work for what he gets. Uncle Tony told him to carry his own bag. Always carry your own bag.

And guess what? This growth Mindset, as Carol Dweck describes in her book, Mindset, is where magic happens. This is where the work gets done.  And, believe it or not, this is also where the real satisfaction lies. The illusion is that winning is where the ultimate joy resides. It is not true.  Winning doesn’t last. Sorry. It is about improvement and continuing to challenge yourself to improve, take new risks, master yourself and the new moments that present themselves.

The best pros in the world understand the value of mastery, of the task. They laugh at the excess focus on results because their job is all about managing themselves day-to-day.

Let your goals drive you to the court and then get consumed by your love of mastery–mastery of yourself and those things that you do have some control over. Then, let’s see what results emerge.