13 Life Lessons from the 2013 US Open Tennis Championships

Every year, like millions of others around the world, I draw a great deal of inspiration from the US Open tennis championships. I look at the young players and marvel, not only at their superior athletic ability, but at their poise, composure and maturity. Most of them began playing tennis when they were very young: Novak Djokavic started when he was 6! In order to make it as professionals, these kids had to grow up quickly - traveling, practicing, competing, striving for excellence, and learning what it takes to win. Here are 13 valuable lessons tennis teaches:

• ·         Rule # 1: Take good care of your body: Include time for rest and recovery

• ·         In order to achieve worthy goals, some sacrifice is necessary

• ·         Surround yourself with a great team

• ·         When the wind is against you, swing harder.

• ·         Instead of reacting to circumstances, create opportunities

• ·         Be grateful for your opponents: They make you better.

• ·         How you show up after a crushing defeat says more about you than how you performed on the court.

• ·         Make good use of any rain delays

• ·         Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

• ·         Trust your instincts: Don’t think too much

• ·          The victory will go to the one who can identify and overcome obstacles

• ·         Flexibility is key

• ·         Make sure you have a good coach