Eyes on the Prize

I love the intensity and focus in his eyes -- there's just no doubt he's going to make perfect contact with the ball.

I find tennis to be the ultimate metaphor for life...

• Work hard with focus and determination, but be still and reflect when you have the opportunity.
• Competitive spirit shouldn't trump fair play. 
• Be polite, even especially to your opponents. 
• Breathe through your anger and disappointments.
• Don't be so hard on yourself. Perfection is unattainable. Mistakes are just growth opportunities.
• When things aren't going your way, fix your mistakes instead of blaming your opponent.
• Sometimes the other guy just gets lucky. Sometimes you do.
• Solve problems as you face them. 
• There's no substitute for excellent preparation. Play hard. Practice harder.
• Find a coach that believes in you and can help you reach your goals.
• At the end of the day, shake hands with your opponent, and wish them luck - even if you lost this one.
• There's nothing wrong with going somewhere private to cry it out. Passion often ends in tears. 

Hang in there, people. Play it out. Never, ever give up.