“Next”. Great advice from Bjorn who never ever appeared ruffled to my memory, and a great story about your doubles meltdown, which, truth be told, has happened to everyone who has played competitive tennis at any level. Thanks Coach Rennert-am passing this along both to my players and coaching staff. Next! Cordially, Jim
Thanks Jim! It has indeed happened to us all. The gift for me this time was I was actually able to see and remember the exact thought that hijacked my nervous system. And then of course Bjorn’s simple solution, which by the way I had heard coaches say things similar to this, but somehow Bjorn and how he behaved on the court, made it resonate more deeply. Because as you and I both know often times these things are easier said than done! So, to anyone reading this the first step is for you to identify the exact thought that makes you tight. Exact. Word for word. Ok, time to roll on out and make some dinner! Best, Peter
Great stuff, Peter. So humanizing and so great to hear Borg's approach: "next thought." Indeed, as in meditation, simply acknowledge the thought and then move on to the next one, the next point, onward.
Thanks Joel, it is indeed the heart of meditation - which simply means focus - and when our focus drifts we just gently return back to our point of focus. Enjoy!
Next thought! And off to the next great Telos video. Just discovered your channel and content, love your stuff! I restarted coaching and it’s all about ‘awaretennis’. The vintage video of you playing is great!
Great post, Peter. I am not sure if any other tennis player could have won the 1980 Wimby Final, after letting seven match points slip by. All of Borg's fans really missed him, as he quit at a ridiculously young age. He could have won a few more slams for sure - defo the French Open in 1982 and 1983. I was lucky enough to meet him in the mid-2000s when he launched his clothing range at Selfridges, and he signed the gigantic poster I'd had of him since 1980. A lovely man and a true legend of the sport!
He was also 0-30 down in the first game of the 5th. I believe McEnroe said at that point he felt it would be impossible for Borg to recover. But then Borg never lost another service game in the set.
My favorite response-to all challenges, on court or off, has always been---"next point", so thanks for the great Bjorn story. And, love those amazing volleys against him!
Borg saying "next thought" speaks to the greater reality that you are not in control of the manifestations that arise in your experience. Manifestations, of which thoughts are just one type, come and LEAVE of their own accord, AND are not real. If a thought were truly real, it would always be in your mind and never leave your mind. Borg saying "next thought" simply nudged that thought into non-existence and accepted whatever the next thought was going to be. That "next thought" was likely to be more appropriate to what Borg was trying to accomplish at the time - winning tennis.
at the time it was probably the most painful loss of my pro career…grateful now there is no pain at all from it , just the memory of what I learned from it. Hope your well Slam!
I loved the story! So cool you hung out with Borg!
Thanks Marc. Was a memorable evening! I am grateful for some really interest and fun life experiences!
“Next”. Great advice from Bjorn who never ever appeared ruffled to my memory, and a great story about your doubles meltdown, which, truth be told, has happened to everyone who has played competitive tennis at any level. Thanks Coach Rennert-am passing this along both to my players and coaching staff. Next!
Cordially,
Jim
Thanks Jim! It has indeed happened to us all. The gift for me this time was I was actually able to see and remember the exact thought that hijacked my nervous system. And then of course Bjorn’s simple solution, which by the way I had heard coaches say things similar to this, but somehow Bjorn and how he behaved on the court, made it resonate more deeply. Because as you and I both know often times these things are easier said than done! So, to anyone reading this the first step is for you to identify the exact thought that makes you tight. Exact. Word for word. Ok, time to roll on out and make some dinner! Best, Peter
Great stuff, Peter. So humanizing and so great to hear Borg's approach: "next thought." Indeed, as in meditation, simply acknowledge the thought and then move on to the next one, the next point, onward.
Thanks Joel, it is indeed the heart of meditation - which simply means focus - and when our focus drifts we just gently return back to our point of focus. Enjoy!
Next thought! And off to the next great Telos video. Just discovered your channel and content, love your stuff! I restarted coaching and it’s all about ‘awaretennis’. The vintage video of you playing is great!
Thank you and welcome! Enjoy the videos and feel free to reach out anytime. Best, Peter
Love it.
Thanks Noah
Great post, Peter. I am not sure if any other tennis player could have won the 1980 Wimby Final, after letting seven match points slip by. All of Borg's fans really missed him, as he quit at a ridiculously young age. He could have won a few more slams for sure - defo the French Open in 1982 and 1983. I was lucky enough to meet him in the mid-2000s when he launched his clothing range at Selfridges, and he signed the gigantic poster I'd had of him since 1980. A lovely man and a true legend of the sport!
Thanks for sharing @Xav! It was my honor and my pleasure to share a court with him twice
He was also 0-30 down in the first game of the 5th. I believe McEnroe said at that point he felt it would be impossible for Borg to recover. But then Borg never lost another service game in the set.
I remember seeing that on TV back then! I was 14.
It was a long long long time ago! :)
Thank you for sharing Peter. I'm grateful for the advice from the champions.
My pleasure Anh. It is cool to get a glimpse into what they do that allows them to perform at such a consistently high level. best, Peter
Great video Peter..
such a powerful tool. Not only in tennis but in life.
Thanks Hadyn
My favorite response-to all challenges, on court or off, has always been---"next point", so thanks for the great Bjorn story. And, love those amazing volleys against him!
Thanks Rex!
Borg saying "next thought" speaks to the greater reality that you are not in control of the manifestations that arise in your experience. Manifestations, of which thoughts are just one type, come and LEAVE of their own accord, AND are not real. If a thought were truly real, it would always be in your mind and never leave your mind. Borg saying "next thought" simply nudged that thought into non-existence and accepted whatever the next thought was going to be. That "next thought" was likely to be more appropriate to what Borg was trying to accomplish at the time - winning tennis.
well said Robert. Thanks!
Hey Ren.....I think I was there that night
at the time it was probably the most painful loss of my pro career…grateful now there is no pain at all from it , just the memory of what I learned from it. Hope your well Slam!