At 24 Raphael Nadal has once more become the Single Handed Champion of the World by winning this years Mens Singles Title at Wimbledon. 

The Spaniard has been my favourite tennis player since he first burst onto the tennis scene a few years ago.  Characterised by his sheer physical presence and dominant play, this humble and unassuming champion is an unrelenting opponent who is very difficult to beat.

But what is it about him that has secured his place as the world no. 1 Tennis Champion?   This despite the fact that at this year’s Wimbledon tournament, I don’t think he played that well.  In his match against Andy Murray for instance, it could have gone either way. In this match he actually served less aces and in other matches he only just scraped through 5 sets to get to the next round.  BUT as one of the commentators in one of his matches very astutely pointed out; under the close stewardship of his Uncle and Coach, Toni Nadal, Raphael has the resources within himself to come through.  He does whatever it takes to win.

Last year he was all but written off by some people after a knee injury robbed him of the opportunity to defend his Wimbledon title.  However, he played well enough to beat  the big czech Tomas Berdych in the Mens Singles Final in straight sets this year.  Nadal charges around the court like a bull, and like a matador uses his mind and skill to create opportunities to defeat his opponents. 

So it’s clear here that becoming a winner can often be a rocky road.  

Question. What is it that’s missing from your success strategy that could – if you borrowed an idea from successful people,  lead to success in your life and career – even you are up against it right now?

1. Decide 

When you make a decision, when you choose a path – that is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  Making that mental shift and deciding on the outcome you want, and being absolutely clear about that is the first, but very crucial step

2.     Don’t get sucked into the negative energy

Have you ever been in a situation where you have literally or figuratively fallen flat on your face?  How long did you allow the feelings of disappointment, anger, or humiliation stay with you?  Get Over it. Move on.  Because the longer you let these feelings hang around, the more time you’re wasting which could more usefully be employed to propel yourself towards your objectives. 

3.   It’s all about your language

One thing I need to get clear on right away.  You are what you think you are, all day long.  Meaning that what you think about – you are!  So, the words that you choose to describe your current circumstances (i.e. rubbish, crap, terrible, loathsome, awful, a nightmare) are all words that have energy attached to them – and energy expands.  And when it expands it touches other people. OK it’s fine to use these words occasionally, especially if it gets a laugh, but choosing these words on a routine basis to describe yourself, or your circumstances are self fulfilling.  Choose other words that are more empowering i.e. (challenging, interesting, amusing, temporary). 

4.   Associate with other winners

Do the people you are in regular contact with share the same beliefs and values as you?   Listen to their conversations…are they talking about the terrible weather the awful traffic, how dreadful they feel, all the time?  And do you join in?  If that’s the case…then don’t go there!  Decide to change your mind and find people who talk in more positive and affirming terms.  Or shine a light somewhere for someone else and more will follow you.

5.   Spread your influence

Do you have an opinion? Are you awake and switched on enough to be in the driving seat of your life and career?   Do you care about something passionately enough to fulfil your life’s purpose? Or are you sitting waiting for the world to come to you to rescue you instead?  When you get in touch with your own success intelligence, and think, talk  and act in a way that is inspiring to others, you in turn elevate your profile and your influence.  Progress and success is like a fire.  Without energy being directed towards it to keep the flames alive – it will go out.  That energy can only come from one place – you!

6.   Push Push Push

Raphael Nadal literally throws himself around the tennis court.  He is almost unstoppable.  Sometimes there is no substitute for literally rolling up your sleeves and when you’re up against it, just getting on with it.  If your response to challenge is howls of outrage or moaning about how awful  everything is, this just puts you right back into the victim’s corner.  Yes tough times do come along for everyone; but I know it sounds so simple, but how you deal with something says more about you as a person than the circumstance itself.  So push against things, use the challenge to demand more, ask for more, give more and think more intelligently. 

7.   “It’s never over until the last point is played”

…said a Wimbledon contender who’d just been knocked out of the tournament.  She battled on until the very last point was played.  On the day it didn’t go her way – but it might well have.  So go the extra 2 miles instead of the extra 1 mile, get up an hour earlier, work an hour longer, apply your mind, make a sacrifice somewhere, refuse to give up, decide not to give in and look for other opportunities.  Making a resolution with yourself.  Write it down.  Never stop. Never give in. Ever.  That’s energy!

8.  Rediscover your success intelligence

Sometimes when difficult times come along this is precisely the time not to back off, panic or start to doubt yourself.  Because way down there somewhere, hidden away in some dark recess of your mind, resides the key to your success.  Sometimes this quality is only activated during times of extreme duress. When the pressure is so colossal that you may fear that you will disintegrate under the strain – centre yourself, go to that place and ask it some questions.  Wait for the answers – it may surprise you.

What’s your special secret for staying successful? Share it here and shine a light for someone else.  In the meantime I’m looking forward to more tennis in the Autumn at the World ATP Tour. Vamos Nadal!