It’s most likely an urban legend, but some people claim that the trees that grow in the closed ecological environment of Biosphere 2 topple over prematurely because they are not exposed to the winds that are required to build strength. That story is frequently used in sermons and inspirational blog posts as a metaphor to illustrate that personal growth comes through adversity. Unfortunately, there is no apparent scientific research that the trees in Biosphere toppled over at all or that anyone ever seriously studied the phenomenon. It’s a pity because it’s a great story.
In a similar vein, the book “The Obstacle Is the Way” (<- sponsored link) by Ryan Holiday promotes the idea that every hardship encountered is an opportunity for growth and success. In tennis and in life, true strength and resilience are built by conquering adversity and doing hard things. In the mythical case of the Biosphere trees, their sheltered life denied them the chance to be strong. Similarly, people who encounter challenges and always opt for the easier path may deprive themselves of greater growth opportunities.
Throughout the “Designing Your Tennis Life” series, we are exploring the use of experimental methodology and principles of good design to build a fulfilling and joyful tennis experience. One of the fundamental aspects of that is determining what questions and experiments to pursue in the first place. Yesterday’s post was all about how to let curiosity be your guide. Today’s focus is finding value by intentionally attempting to do hard things.
Challenges and setbacks are not necessarily barriers to progress but rather the very path to maximizing personal growth and fulfillment. Obstacles are opportunities to develop resilience and strength. In fact, I sincerely believe that true resilience cannot be built without adversity. Embracing that idea is a mindset that reframes difficulties as a chance for personal development.
As you think about your tennis life, consider whether you have accepted a challenge or constraint as an insurmountable obstacle rather than as an opportunity for growth. It may be time to tackle those problems head-on. I have a couple of very good recent examples in my own life where I regarded a constraint as an insurmountable barrier. I’m working on tackling those things this year.
The glorious thing about the big rocks that seem to be blocking our paths is that the design methodology approach allows us to chip away at them through a series of small experiments. Framed out in that context, there is no such thing as failure due to the learning that naturally accompanies that mindset. Understanding what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t work is critical information for determining the next path forward.
Don’t be afraid to take on the big obstacles in your tennis life. It is the key to maximizing the growth opportunity and resiliency that can be built from overcoming the challenge.
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.
