Three Words

After winning the first set, I was down 0-4. I turned to my girlfriend, who was behind a chain-linked fence watching the match like Zendaya from Challengers. I told her I was going to dog the rest of the set and save my energy for the match tie-breaker. Things were not going my way after I fumbled an early break point opportunity, and my mindset changed from optimistic to lost.

I was expecting her to comply, and maybe I thought about tanking the rest of the set to save my ego or pretend I still had control of the match. It definitely wasn't to save energy. I had plenty of it, and even on that sunny day in Philly, my legs were still humming along strong. 

Instead, she said, "just get one." 

One set. Just get a single set. Instantly, my mindset changed, and instead of having an overwhelming task in front of me, I had a digestible goal that was clearly in my wheelhouse.

Tennis is a messed-up game because it really is all about the mind. Sure, you need to know how to hit the ball and be in shape, but after that, it's all about the neurons in your brain. 

Are they jumping for joy, or are they scared to miss? 

I play best when amused and curious, like a boy who discovers a secret berry garden and wants to taste every flavor. 

What happens if I make him move to the left?

How does he handle a low slice? 

But these are mindsets, and even the best can't always be the best version of themselves. That's why motivation is a billion-dollar industry, and poor people pay thousands of dollars to see Tony Robbins just so he can tell them they are good enough. 

And you know what?

If you believe it after he says it and you do something great, then it is worth it. Even if motivation is cliche or known, and even if the knowledge is available for free, anything that changes your mindset for the better is invaluable. 

On that day, my girlfriend's words shifted my perception, and instead of losing the set 0-6, I lost 1-6. But that one set was driven by three words, not a massive forehand or a tactical strategy. 

It was four points fueled by perception. A powerful tool in the game of tennis and life.