Desiderata For Athletes
By Jeff Greenwald, M.A., M.F.T.
Over the years, I’ve periodically referenced something called the Desiderata, a poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927, that has been a powerful reminder in both professional and personal life.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in your progress. As far as possible, without surrender, seek to improve and learn, over and above a ranking or college scholarship.
Play your game on your terms, and don’t listen to the naysayers. They have likely not pursued the path you are on now.
Avoid people who tell you what to do and how to play without asking you for your opinion; they are impediments to your greatness.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser players than yourself.
Enjoy your training and performances. Stay interested in your own path, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in our world of short-term results and monetary gain, for the world is full of illusion and hype. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many successful players strive for high ideals, and everywhere sports is full of heroism.
Keep perspective and know that all results pass, new tournaments will come and each event is a fresh opportunity to experience the thrill of competition.
Be honest with yourself and reflect on what you did well and what you can improve upon. Seek someone whom you can trust to share your experience. The truth will set you free.
Do not distress yourself with dark thoughts. Many fears are born of fatigue, loneliness, and the Internet.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to give it all you have.
Adapted from the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.
Hear what people are saying about Jeff’s popular Fearless Tennis Online Course. Or Purchase with Black Friday 50% discount Here.
Hard-Earned Truths for Youth Athletes, by Jeff Greenwald, M.A.. M.F.T.
All coaches, teachers, and leaders trying to connect and reach young athletes face a similar challenge: How to help them APPLY the hard-earned lessons that could transform their experience NOW. Here’s a sample of them to share:
- Establish specific, process-based goals that are within your control (e.g., keeping eyes on the court, assertive under pressure, and resetting after mistakes).
- Expect, accept, and embrace physical arousal/nerves. See this feeling as a privilege and excitement.
- Keep perspective and know that results pass, new tournaments will come and each event is another opportunity to execute your goals and experience the thrill of competition.
- When negative thoughts flow in, recognize that this is normal because you care, and refocus your mind on what matters most in this performance, over and above the outcome.
- When you’re not preparing, warming up, and having time between performances, try to enjoy what you are doing, have some fun, and keep it light.
- Be honest with yourself after your event and reflect on what you did well and what you can improve. Talk about this with someone you trust and respect and revise your match goals accordingly.
- Trust your training and all the time and effort you have put into your game already. When you have thoughts about not doing well enough remind yourself that you have the skills and capability to play well and win.
- Remember that EVERY athlete in your upcoming event is human. They have negative thoughts and fears just like you from time to time. Every day is a new day and they have their pressures so be careful you don’t put yourself in a box all alone.
- Know that every athlete or team is beatable on any given day. If they were as good as your mind is making them out to be they wouldn’t be in the tournament. Avoid putting them on a pedestal and tell yourself that anything is possible.
- Remember that people don’t think about your losses or mistakes the same way you do. So when you worry about what people might be thinking of you, remind yourself that what matters most is HOW you show up, HOW much you embrace the moment, and HOW courageously you choose to execute your game in the toughest moments of all. Share on Instagram