Is losing 3-11 not fun for you? Let's find out PLUS Too old or unskilled to play pickleball?

Is losing 3-11 not fun for you? It might be - depending on how you look at it PLUS Too old or unskilled to play pickleball?
You just got done playing 6 games, never scoring more than 3 points in a game.
I try to share come encouragement by saying to you “It’s not the end of the world.” You agree but then add “But it’s less fun.”
Is it less fun? Let’s talk about it.
Oftentimes when we are thinking through arguably negative situations, like not scoring more than 3 points in a game for 6 games in a row, the negativity stems not from the situation itself. Rather, the negativity stems from our framing of the situation. The situation itself is neutral. It is we who imbue it with the negative.
Generally speaking, losing 3-11 is not as much fun as losing 5-11, is not as much fun as losing 9-11, is not as much fun as losing 13-15. And we haven’t yet even gotten to the winning side.
If we stopped here, then perhaps “But it’s less fun” would be correct.
There is, however, more road to explore. What about losing 1-11? Or the pickle 0-11?
Even worse, what about comparing 3-11 to not playing at all? Or being injured? Or [fill in the countless things that are nowhere near as fun as playing a pickleball game]?
With this framing, then the correct statement after a day of 3-11 games is “It was certainly more fun than the alternatives.”
This is the power of framing. You get to decide the relevant context that you place your day’s events in. Use your framing power to maintain a better perspective and enjoy a stronger relationship with pickleball (and everything else too).
If you enjoy this approach to the mental game, check out the Pickleball Therapy Podcast on all platforms (UA-cam too).
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Stay well
Tony

[@daveharter6469]

wanted to add a comment about the book you talked about Pickelball Mindset. A must-read for anyone wanting to get better or dabble in tournaments. yesterday, I was halfway through the book and played, something happened?? Had three game in a row where I was playing at a level I had never played at before. Everyone playing and around the court were commenting on it. It's kind of an unconscious level of play. I may have relaxed my mind? and it just flowed. At this point, I am giving credit to the book. I did come off that high, but I got to experience it . Am still working through what happened. It was a breakthrough moment for me. Other people can have it, too. whatever level we are. Thanks for sharing.

[@pickleballtherapy]

Thanks for sharing your experience Dave.

[@Tposch1953]

Tony I look forward to your Friday Podcast since you always have thought provoking topics. I enjoyed your thoughts concerning age as an impediment to playing pickleball. At my age I am considered a geriatric person. I also know that as we age the greatest danger to our physical well being is not moving. I believe we age because we stop moving not the other way around. I have been playing pickleball for about 14 months and I know that pickleball keeps me moving physically, but also helps me think quicker and get a lot of social interactions. Sure, I can't move as quickly as younger players but I am still able to play with all ages because the courts are smaller, and pickleball involves some strategies which help us older players. So to all those folks who don't think they can't play due to their age, give it a try. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain.

[@pickleballtherapy]

No age limit for sure in our sport.

[@acarter2072]

I appreciate your perspective. Thanks!

[@pickleballtherapy]

Appreciate it AC