James Vizor’s Post

🎾 I just learned that Roger Federer is not only the best tennis player to have ever played 🎾, but also a great investor (On), philanthropist, and speaker... In his speech, he shared three invaluable tennis lessons, demonstrating why he is considered the G.O.A.T., and he even shed tears at the end. You can watch the full video to experience his heartfelt message. Here’s the summary of the three lessons, but please do yourself a favor and watch the whole video! 🥇 Effortless is a Myth: Discipline is a talent. Trusting yourself, having patience, embracing the process, loving the process, managing your life, and managing yourself are also talents. I believe in myself, but self-belief must be earned. 🥈 It’s Only a Point: Even professional tennis players win barely more than 50% of their points. You must learn not to dwell on every fault. Play every point as if it’s the most important, but once it’s over, let it go. The sign of a champion is not just winning repeatedly but knowing how to handle setbacks. 🥉 Life is Bigger than the Court: Tennis can show you the world, but it cannot be your whole world. Always strive to be a great person. Leaving a familiar world behind and finding new ones is incredibly exciting and deeply rewarding. Final Lesson: Use an eastern grip and play a one-handed backhand [This one I am “mastering” 😎]

Some life advice from Roger Federer: "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 ever 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 in 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."

As a tennis player, Roger Federer is a hero of mine. His 2024 Dartmouth Commencement Speech blew me away. 3 powerful lessons he shared: 1. “Effortless is a myth” A picture of world-class talent and skill, Federer has often been called “effortless.” He said there is no such thing. Looking effortless requires countless hours and preparation. It takes discipline, and as Federer said, “𝘈 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘴, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵.” 2. “It’s only a point” Federer has won 80% of his 1,526 matches, but only 54% of the points he has ever played. Even as the world’s best player, he has lost almost as many points as he has won. These “losses” are inevitable in life and business. A mature business person realizes there will always be challenges, but you can still “win” – and even be the best in the world – by only winning half the time. As Federerer said, “𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.” 3. “Life is bigger than the court” Even as the best tennis player in the world, Federer knew it couldn’t be his whole world. At 22, he started The Roger Federer Foundation. In 20 years, his organization has helped 3 million children get an early childhood education and hired over 55,000 teachers. When we’re heads-down dedicating countless hours to our business, we can’t forget to dedicate ourselves to giving back. It’s our responsibility to leverage success as a force for good. “𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘴, 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.” – Roger Federer – Listen to his full speech here: https://lnkd.in/gQ4drnme

You all know I love how sport can teach us much about living and working well. Roger Federer’s ‘Tennis Lessons’ are no exception. Here are my key takeaways: 🎾 "Effortless is a myth" Federer says "I didn’t get where I got on pure talent alone. I got there by trying to outwork my opponents". Ric Lewis, another Dartmouth graduate speaks about this very same point on our podcast Desert Island Risks. Successful people work very hard behind the scenes to make things look easy. 🔍“When it’s behind you it’s behind you”. Federer, of course, talks about this in the context of tennis. When the point has been played it is over, whether it was won or lost. It is important to adopt this mindset in order to fully focus on what is next. 💪 "Don't let the speedbumps bring you down" Be resilient. "Accept and learn from your losses. You want to become a master at overcoming hard moments. That is, to me, 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 lose again and again and have learned how to deal with it". 🎓 "One doesn’t retire, they graduate" The term ‘retire’ suggests the end. However, there is always something next. Every chapter of life is a preparation for the next, however obvious it may be. Lessons you learn in one part of your life will always be useful. As I often say, good people never retire, they just recalibrate their week...don't retire, graduate! 🌍 “Life is bigger than the court”. You are not the most important person in the world. There is so much more to life than your own journey. Yes, when it is time to focus on tennis it is important to focus on tennis, but it is as equally important to think about the world around you and try to make a positive impact on the world. Federer started his Foundation when he was 22, before he was really ready - but he knew it was something he needed to do. Inspirational stuff from King Roger, the FedExpress! Watch the full speech here: https://lnkd.in/e9hKpkYD

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

The man, the myth, the LEGEND, Roger Federer delivered an inspiring commencement address at Dartmouth College on June 9, 2024. His speech was a masterclass in life lessons, blending his experiences on and off the tennis court. Here are the key takeaways: “Effortless” is a Myth: Federer shattered the illusion that success comes effortlessly. Despite his immense talent, he emphasised that it took years of hard work, dedication, and resilience to achieve greatness both on and off the court. He said and I quote, Champions find their grip during challenging moments- when their bodies tire, minds wander, and discipline wavers. Resilience lasts long term. Grit Defines Talent: Talent isn’t just innate ability; it’s about trusting oneself, practicing patience, and managing the process. These principles apply not only to tennis but everything in life. It’s Only a Point: Federer’s wisdom extended beyond tennis. He reminded all that life, like a tennis match, is a series of moments. Whether it’s a single point or a life decision, giving your best effort is all that matters. Life is Bigger Than the Court: Beyond tennis accolades, Federer encouraged all to embrace a balanced life. Retirement, for him, was a graduation from tennis—a chance to focus on family, philanthropy, and enjoying life. Something he said that made a lasting impression: "Happiness matters—don’t let it be decided solely by professional achievements or financial metrics. Use your influence for good, value time with loved ones, and remember that life is bigger than any court or office." His parting words... “Whatever game you choose, give it your best. Be kind to one another… and have fun out there.” Do watch it, if you haven't yet! https://lnkd.in/gzCeASmH

An absolute must-watch whether you are a tennis fan or not: Roger Federer's address in Dartmouth from two weeks ago full of truth about work and life. My personal take-outs: 1.    “Effortless is a myth”… “The truth is I had to work very hard to make it look easy” 2.   “I believed in myself, but belief in yourself has to be earned” 3.   “…talent has a broad definition”… “…discipline is also a talent, and so is patience” 4.   “What percentage of 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” 5.   “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. This mindset is really crucial, because it frees you to fully commit to the next point and the next point after that with intensity, clarity, and focus” 6.   “…your opponents have self-doubt, too. Don’t ever forget that” 7.   “Tennis, like life, is a team sport. Yes, you stand alone on your side of the net, but your success depends on your team, your coaches, your teammates, even your rivals. All these influences help to make you who you are”

It’s only a point. Let me explain. You can work harder than you thought possible... and still lose. I have. But I did lose... sometimes big. For me, one of the biggest was the finals at Wimbledon in 2008. Me vs. Nadal. Some call it the greatest match of all time. OK, all respect to Rafa, but I think it would have been way way better if I had won... Losing at Wimbledon was a big deal... because winning Wimbledon is everything. Some defeats hurt more than others. I knew I would never get another shot at six in a row. 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 commencement speech at Dartmouth Full link 👇🏻

Just like Federer’s play on the court, this point on resilience is elegantly crafted. The speech is well worth a listen, and this is its highlight. (On a side note, watching a grand slam final live is on my bucket list.) “In tennis, perfection is impossible. In the 1,526 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches. [I only won] 54% of the points in those matches. 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, "okay, I double faulted. It's only a point. Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash, that too, is just a point. So here's why I'm telling you this. 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. This mindset is really really crucial because it frees you to fully commit to the next point, and the next point 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 rollercoaster with many ups and downs. And it's natural when you're down to doubt yourself and 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 is to me, 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 lose again and again and have learned how to deal with it. You accept it, cry it out if you need to, and then force a smile. You move on, be relentless, adapt and grow, work harder, work smarter, remember - work smarter."

It was surprising and exciting to see that Roger Federer was the person delivering the 2024 Commencement ceremony at Dartmouth College a couple of days ago. It was surprising because Federer never went to college. It was exciting and inspiring because, for all tennis fans, Federer was considered one of the best, if not the best, tennis players in history, and was and is a highly respected person known for his great life values and as a true legend who changed the game of tennis. In this Commencement speech, Federer shared three "tennis lessons" that can be applied to life, because in the end, tennis speaks the language of life: 1. EFFORTLESS IS A MYTH. During his entire career, Federer was often labeled as a player who had a very effortless style and always seemed to win without much effort. However, the truth is that he had to put in a tremendous amount of effort and work incredibly hard to make it look easy and reach the level he did. 2. "IT'S ONLY A POINT." Tennis is a brutal sport, where there is only one winner in each tournament. It's difficult to deal with tough losses, but that can make you a better player eventually. Federer won almost 80% of the matches he played during his career, but only 54% of all the points he played. Even the best players in the world lose almost half the points they play, and that gives you perspective. "The best in the world are not the best because they win every point, but because they know they will lose again and again and have accepted it. You move on, adapt and grow, and learn from your mistakes, and work harder and work smarter." 3. "LIFE IS BIGGER THAN THE COURT." A tennis court is a small space, only 2,106 square feet. "Tennis is a great tool to show you the world, but tennis can never be the world." If you are a professional tennis player, of course it's important to be passionate about tennis, work hard, and be professional, but it's also important to be open-minded and try to have a rewarding life full of travel, culture, friendship, and family, and to have goals and aspirations beyond tennis. Dartmouth's legendary football coach Buddy Teevens used to recruit players by telling their parents that "your son will be a great football player when it's football time, a great student when it's academic time, and a great person all the time."