Yesterday’s post emphasized the importance of openness to new experiences as a critical element for creating happiness in tennis. But what happens when suitable new opportunities don’t exist? Some players live in a stagnant tennis community with limited options for social or competitive engagement, drills, instruction, and practice opportunities. These situations only improve when people step into a different role that is proactive, creative, and empowering. Our sport needs tennis instigators.
A tennis instigator is someone who creates new experiences and opportunities not just for themselves but also for others. Instead of waiting for fresh challenges or exciting events to happen, they actively seek ways to initiate them. That can include organizing a new drill, forming a fresh doubles league, or inviting players to try a different format. Instigators drive the change they want to see. They pave their own path if there aren’t existing avenues to explore.
Sometimes, players feel stuck in a routine because they assume that what already exists is all there is. But in reality, tennis is incredibly flexible, and there’s always room for innovation if you’re willing to get creative. You don’t need to be a coach or tournament director to introduce new ideas. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple suggestion. For example, maybe your club only hosts traditional singles and doubles matches, but you’d love to try mixed doubles or team tennis. Instead of waiting for someone to start that, be the person who puts it in motion.
Being a tennis instigator is also about fostering community. At its core, tennis is a social sport, and the relationships we build on and off the court significantly impact our enjoyment. By creating new experiences—whether it’s a fun round-robin, a themed tournament, or simply organizing a new group to play at different times—you can help deepen those connections and bring more people together. This enriches your tennis journey and strengthens the overall community, making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Instigating new experiences also invites personal growth. When you step into this role, you build confidence in your ability to shape your tennis life. Instead of feeling like a passive participant, waiting for others to create opportunities, you take control of your experience. This mindset shift can be empowering, leading to greater fulfillment in tennis and other areas of your life. It reinforces the idea that happiness is something we actively cultivate rather than something that happens to us.
Of course, taking on the role of a tennis instigator doesn’t mean every idea will be a home run. Some experiments may fall flat, or people may not always respond as you hope. But that’s okay—part of being an instigator is embracing the experimental process. Even if it doesn’t turn out as expected, every effort brings valuable insights and learning opportunities. Trying something new can bring a renewed sense of engagement and excitement, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
So, if you find yourself in a tennis environment where new opportunities feel scarce, remember that you have the power to change that. By becoming a tennis instigator, you can add variety and excitement to your own game and make tennis more vibrant and enjoyable for those around you. Choosing happiness in tennis isn’t just about being open to new experiences—it’s about being willing to create them.
Throughout 2024, I am publishing a series of essays imaging how to apply the principles in ‘Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life‘ (<- sponsored link), which is a non-tennis book that I have come to believe that everyone should read.
A chronological summary of all posts on this topic is available on the Designing Your Tennis Life summary page.
