Potential or Reality

Each of us is born with a set of genetic blueprints that predispose us to certain traits. Some of those traits are height, hair and eye color- while others are musical, mathematics or athletic talent. 

Many of those predispositions are channels of opportunity that provide an opening to develop the potential of ones latent talents.

POTENTIAL is the key word in that entire concept!

A bag of flour, a couple of eggs, a bowl of sugar, a dash of cream of tartar and a 325-degree oven have the POTENTIAL to produce a very tasty Angel Food Cake. 

Without combining the proper ratio of those ingredients, mixed just the right amount of time and baked at the prescribed cooking time and temperature, all you have is a bunch of random stuff sitting on the kitchen counter.

The POTENTIAL (the ingredients) is separated from the REALITY(the cake) by employing a tried-and-true process.

In tennis terms, building your game to its full potential requires adding and honing racket skills from all areas of the court while building movement skills (yes moving properly on a tennis court is a skill) to deliver the weapon to the battle zone hundreds of times per match.

The best way to begin that journey of improvement is to make an honest, unvarnished evaluation of each component of your game. Then go about methodically, stroke by stroke, shot by shot, grinding and polishing until you have a tool box that exhibits high function from all areas of the court.

The concept of intentional/deliberate or Deep Practice is best applied when on this part of your journey. Be sure you have the right technique (grip, backswing, swing path and follow through) and then get in as many high-quality repetitions (yes, the exact same shot) as you are able to without getting lazy or having your mind wander.

100 well-executed repetitions for five days in a row has much greater value than 500 sloppy swings in one day!

Make a list of the skills that you are determined to improve, and then check them off one by one as you reach your desired performance goal.

Ask your coach or practice partner to give you an evaluation of your improvement. Tell them you want it straight, warts and all! Then take that information and if necessary make a mid-course correction or two and get back to the practice court.

Remember that your DNA provides you with POTENTIAL but your understanding of the techniques and willingness to immerse yourself in Deep Practice will give life to your REALITY.