Wisest words ever spoken from a person I look up to not just as a tennis player but as a north star for being a great human being:
Three lessons from his commencement speech:
1. Effortless is a myth: True success comes from hard work and determination. Let your results speak for your dedication and grit.
2. It's just a point: Knowing when to focus and when to let go is crucial. This balance is essential in navigating the ups and downs of any career.
3. Life is bigger than the court: Professional challenges are just a small part of a bigger picture. Always stay open to new experiences and learning opportunities.
Highly recommend watching the full speech.
Roger Federer reminded us that while talent is important, "most of the time, it’s not about having a gift. It’s about having grit."
His full speech to our #Dartmouth24s: https://bit.ly/3VgPeXN
I was fortunate enough to hear Roger Federer's speech during my daughter's commencement on Sunday. Words to live by on the court of life. Here's an excerpt:
"It's only a point.
In tennis, perfection is impossible... In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches... Now, I have a question for all of you... what percentage of the POINTS do you think I won in those matches?
Only 54%.
In other words, even top-ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play.
When you lose every second point, on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot.
You teach yourself to think: OK, I double-faulted. It’s only a point.
OK, I came to the net and I got passed again. It’s only a point.
Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN’s Top Ten Plays: that, too, is just a point.
Here’s why I am telling you this.
When you’re playing a point, it is the most important thing in the world.
But when it’s behind you, it’s behind you... This mindset is really crucial, because it frees you to fully commit to the next point… and the next one after that… with intensity, clarity and focus.
The truth is, whatever game you play in life... sometimes you’re going to lose. A point, a match, a season, a job... it’s a roller coaster, with many ups and downs.
And it’s natural, when you’re down, to doubt yourself. To feel sorry for yourself.
And by the way, your opponents have self-doubt, too. Don’t ever forget that.
But negative energy is wasted energy.
You want to become a master at overcoming hard moments. That to me is the sign of a champion.
The best in the world are not the best because they win every point... It’s because they know they’ll lose... again and again… and have learned how to deal with it.
You accept it. Cry it out if you need to... then force a smile.
You move on. Be relentless. Adapt and grow.
Work harder. Work smarter. Remember: work smarter."
Roger Federer reminded us that while talent is important, "most of the time, it’s not about having a gift. It’s about having grit."
His full speech to our #Dartmouth24s: https://bit.ly/3VgPeXN
Growing up Roger Federer was my idol. I admired how he glided across the court, making it look easy and effortless. Most importantly, he always carried himself with dignity and grace.
Earlier this month, he delivered an impactful commencement speech at Dartmouth College and would like to share his three "tennis lessons" with you...
1) Effortless is a myth - It requires hard work to make it look easy. You need to be well rounded and build an arsenal of strengths when something breaks down. You can't rely on talent alone but need to work hard, be disciplined, and patient to outwork your opponents. It's about having grit, especially when you're broken and need to find a way to win.
2) It's only a point - You can work harder than you thought possible but can still lose. Some defeats hurt more than others. When playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world, but when it's behind you it's behind you. Move on, be relentless, grow, and work harder & smarter in preparation for the next competition.
3) Life is bigger than the court - Tennis can show you the world, but tennis can't be your world. To have a rewarding life full of travel, culture, and family. Contributing your ideas, time, and energy to a mission larger than yourself. Find your unique ways to make a difference and be a great person all the time.
How do you deal with failure?
Have you seen Roger Federer's Commencement Address at Dartmouth?
He talks beautifully about dealing with failure and having a growth mindset, and it's always so refreshing to hear these concepts from another perspective - this time from a tennis pro turned philanthropist (and honorary Doctor).
"When you're playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world, and it is...
But when it's behind you...
It's behind you."
Dr Roger Federer 2024
You can watch his speech here: https://lnkd.in/djhUdQhW (skip to 13 minutes if you're in a rush!)
#growthmindset#failure#learningfromeverything#DealingWithFailure#Growth
Effortless is a myth. Roger Federer's lessons of life are full of wisdom and inspiration. If you can spare 25 minutes, I recommended to watch Roger's phenomenal and entertaining commencement speech at Dartmouth.
https://lnkd.in/dQKP2Tam#rolemodel
Life lessons from Roger Federer's 2024 Dartmouth commencement speech are #everything. From "'Effortless'… is a myth" to "It's only a point" (do your best, but then move on) to "Grit is greater than gift" and "Life is bigger than the court", Roger really touched on all the key points about careers and life in general, including "be kind". Hope you get a chance to listen to the whole thing... inspiring for sure.
https://lnkd.in/gsAqHamP
Wow - if you have not listened to this commencement speech by Roger Federer, you totally should. I love love'd it so much, think I've listened 4-5 times now as there's that much to learn. A few highlights to share with you:
Effortless is a myth. It's not about talent. It's about GRIT. It's about DISCIPLINE. Some people might be born with it - others have to work at it.
Perfection is impossible. Federer shares he won 80% of his matches. However, he only won 54% of points! Do NOT dwell on every point you lose - you have to remember, it's just ONE point. When it's behind you, keep it behind you. Negative energy is just wasted energy. Work harder AND smarter.
Life is bigger than a tennis court. Tennis is just a game - and for him it provided an opportunity to see the world. So see beyond your day to day. Serve others, have a grateful, giving heart. He shared a great story about his foundation which he started when he was just 22. He didn't think he was old enough/ready enough to start this. Yet, he took a chance and just figured it out. It's important - just TAKE THE CHANCE.
Tennis looks like it's a singles game (just one person on the court) but it's everyone behind that player that makes them who they are; pushing them, training them, teaching them, caring for them ... who you surround yourself with is truly what makes one person great.
Leave nothing on the court. Go for your shots. Play freely and try everything. Be kind to one another and just have fun out there.
#goat#inspiration#wordstoliveby#commencementspeech#bestbusinesspractices
Roger Federer is a GOAT for many reasons, and it's more than just Tennis!
Roger Federer's recent commencement speech at Dartmouth is a must-watch, and of course not just for tennis fans. What makes it so interesting isn't so much the originality of his message, but his genuine, relatable delivery. He comes across as authentic and down-to-earth, drawing us in with his charm. That, in itself, is a talent!
The speech's real power lies in its simplicity. One of the points Federer emphasizes is a broader definition of talent—one that includes not just natural ability, but also the often-overlooked qualities like discipline, patience, self-belief, and perseverance. We tend to focus solely on the outcomes of talent, forgetting that these supporting attributes are just as essential for success. These qualities deserve recognition and celebration. If you possess them, take pride in them!
His ability to inspire and connect with people is clearly one of the many reasons why Federer is considered a GOAT. His down-to-earth charm allows him to take complex ideas and make them relatable. This unique talent adds another layer to his greatness, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
#RogerFederer#GOAT#Talent#Inspiration#Motivationhttps://lnkd.in/gJsUZuTg
Saw this today and it really resonated. Fantastic insight into the elite mindset of Roger Federer. Video is attached, around 13 minutes in for the speech.
“Perfection is impossible.
In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches.
But what percentage of points did I win? - 54%
In other words, even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play. When you lose every second point on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot.
You teach yourself to think:
‘Okay, I double faulted...it's only a point.'
'Okay, I came to the net and I got passed again...it's only a point.'
Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN's top 10 playlist – that too is just a point.
Here's why I'm telling you this…
When you're playing a point, it has to be the most important thing the world. And it is.
But when it's behind you, it's behind you.
This mindset is crucial – because it frees you to fully commit to the next point with intensity, clarity, and focus."
#ecommerce#projectmanagement#highperformance#mindset#stepbystep
Learning from a Legend: Roger Federer
As we reflect on the illustrious career of Roger Federer, it’s not just his backhand or his record-breaking titles that capture our admiration. It’s the intangible qualities—grit, determination, and discipline—that truly define his legacy.
Federer’s game transcends the physical realm; it’s a masterclass in mental fortitude. His ability to remain calm under pressure, to push through adversity, and to consistently strive for excellence is what sets him apart. These are lessons that extend far beyond the tennis court.
In a world where instant gratification is often sought, Federer reminds us of the value of perseverance and hard work. His journey teaches us that true greatness is achieved not by talent alone, but by the relentless pursuit of improvement and the courage to face challenges head-on.
For a dose of inspiration, check out this video where Federer himself talks about these very virtues. His insights are a testament to the mindset that has made him not just a champion in tennis, but a role model for all of us striving for success in our own fields.
#RogerFederer#Inspiration#SuccessMindsethttps://lnkd.in/gBmCqpGY