Rafael Nadal fought back yesterday from two sets down to win the Australian Open in tennis and become the player with the most Grand Slam wins with 21. For many players, you would think that the game was over after two sets down, yet he has consistently shown an ability to come back, point by point, and slowly get back into games. After over five hours and 20 minutes, Nadal was the victor.
Yet, Nadal has shown what is often needed to get on top and win. It is a determination and deliberate focus on each point, one at a time to get back. He maintains his focus, stays with his process and plan, and concentrates on what he does best. Even when he may be playing below his level, his intention and drive keep him on top.
As we near the end of January, you are likely looking at the year to date and questioning your resolve in working towards new year’s resolutions, personal and professional, and those of your team. You may be thinking it is all the same again, so why bother. Less than ten percent of the year is behind us. We have the majority to go.
The quality to embrace is grit. Take a moment and consider:
– Do you have a clear outcome you are working toward? If you have a long list, which one is most important now?
– What is the smallest action you need to take to create the habit.
Find your grit. Confirm to yourself what you are capable of since it is your self-belief that matters most. The game has only begun.
