“They are clearer on what matters, more disciplined in how they approach it, and more consistent in following through, even when they do not feel like it.” I observe they have formed outstanding habits. For tennis elite athletes, from the fitness, to diet, to sleep consistency, to drills, etc. Undertaking the grind is less of a decision to follow through or not. The grind is second nature and wrapped up into the identity of who they are.
I completely agree with you. At that level, it isn’t even experienced as a ‘habit’ anymore, it’s just standard. There’s no internal negotiation about whether to do it or not. It becomes part of identity. ‘This is just how I operate.’ And I think that’s the bit people miss. They assume it’s about motivation or willpower, when actually it’s about removing the decision entirely. That’s a powerful place to get to in our own lives too. When the things that matter stop being optional, and just become how we show up.
Well said Kate Oram.
“They are clearer on what matters, more disciplined in how they approach it, and more consistent in following through, even when they do not feel like it.” I observe they have formed outstanding habits. For tennis elite athletes, from the fitness, to diet, to sleep consistency, to drills, etc. Undertaking the grind is less of a decision to follow through or not. The grind is second nature and wrapped up into the identity of who they are.
I completely agree with you. At that level, it isn’t even experienced as a ‘habit’ anymore, it’s just standard. There’s no internal negotiation about whether to do it or not. It becomes part of identity. ‘This is just how I operate.’ And I think that’s the bit people miss. They assume it’s about motivation or willpower, when actually it’s about removing the decision entirely. That’s a powerful place to get to in our own lives too. When the things that matter stop being optional, and just become how we show up.