One of the most vital elements for creating happiness in tennis is openness to new experiences. While tennis is a dynamic sport with many engagement options, many players do the same thing repeatedly. That can include attending the same drills, playing with the same people, sticking to the same tactics, and avoiding new training methods. There is a place and time for sticking with the comfort of a routine. However, that can become a limiting factor for growth and enjoyment. To truly maximize happiness in tennis, being willing to try new things is essential.
It is impossible to make the best choices if you don’t know all the options or are unfamiliar with them. An intentional willingness to try new things can open the door to expanding your skill set while creating the opportunity for unexpected moments of joy and satisfaction. Every new experience in tennis offers a fresh perspective that can reignite your passion for the game.
During this “Designing Your Tennis Life” series, we have been exploring the idea that the more we experiment, the better we understand what truly brings us fulfillment when engaging with tennis. A vital aspect of that is saying “yes” to new opportunities. Regardless of the outcome, it can reveal new ways to enjoy the sport. New experiences help clarify your preferences and open up paths you might not have considered, ultimately leading to more informed and fulfilling decisions about how you engage with tennis.
Injecting novelty into our routine brings a sense of adventure. Attending new drills, taking a lesson from a new coach, and playing a practice match using a new tactic are all ways to shake things up. The outcomes may vary, but the process of trying something different often brings a renewed sense of engagement and purpose.
Being open to new experiences also deepens your connection with the tennis community. Stepping out of your comfort zone can build new tennis relationships, gain fresh perspectives, and potentially spark new friendships. Volunteering within the sport creates a wealth of new perspectives on your tennis journey. Tennis is as much about the relationships you build as it is about the matches you play, and being open to those experiences enhances your overall happiness both on and off the court.
Ultimately, maximizing happiness in tennis is about staying curious, open-minded, and willing to explore. While there’s value in routine and consistency, true growth—and often the deepest sense of satisfaction—comes from expanding your horizons and trying new things. So the next time you have the chance to try something new in the sport… do it. Each new experience is an opportunity to discover more about what brings you joy in tennis.
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.
