Generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of most inspirational signs. For example, you won’t find any of the general genre of “Live, Laugh, Love” signs around my house. It just doesn’t resonate with me. However, with motivational messages that push toward higher achievement—especially in tennis—I’m all in. There is something uniquely powerful about seeing a reminder that hard work and dedication are an essential part of mastery of tennis or success in life. That is to say, I genuinely love displays of phrases that truly drive action.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across a sign that immediately resonated with me. Someone has taken the time to create an inviting sitting area in the corner of the pro shop of Keist Park Tennis Center in Dallas. It includes a flat-screen TV and tennis-themed decor that creates a comfortable atmosphere. So much is happening there that I almost missed the sign beneath the screen. “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” That’s a message I can get behind. It is an honest reminder that effort is the key to achieving what you truly want, both on and off the court.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do” can be a powerful motivator for tennis performance mastery. It reminds us that reaching peak performance isn’t about wishful thinking but rather about building sweat equity. Players must commit to putting in the hours to work on their game and commit to every aspect of training. This mantra emphasizes that progress only comes through disciplined effort. Every practice, workout, and match represents an opportunity to bring tennis aspirations closer to reality. It takes a lot of work.
In a related tangent, that particular corner of the Keist pro shop was one of the more prominent sites where some of the epic games I described in “Uno! For Tennis Improvement” were played. One of my happiest memories from junior tennis was sitting around on the floor of pro shops playing the card game with other players. It was a great way to pass the time and build off-court relationships. That was well before our modern times when tournament players now retreat into their isolated world of smartphones. I have such happy memories of that precise spot and am glad it is now a shrine to building community, even though the focal point is still a screen.
Ultimately, it takes more than a motivational sign to drive true tennis improvement. However, the right message at the right time can ignite a spark of inspiration. “Dreams don’t work unless you do” is a gentle reminder to stay focused and put in the work. If it inspires even one person to push harder toward their goals either on the court or off, then that little sign has done its job.
In other words, glimpsing that sign made me very happy.
