To round out our exploration of imaginative ways to brainstorm about our ideal tennis lives, today we will consider what we think our Utopia might look like if money and financial obligations weren’t a constraint. Bill Burnett and Dave Evans recommend that specific technique in their book ‘Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life.’ What would you do with your tennis life if money were truly no object?
But first, some words of caution. While exploring imaginative exercises and rethinking your tennis life can be liberating and insightful, it is important to approach these changes with a sense of responsibility. I am not advocating for recklessness or impulsive decisions that could jeopardize your financial stability or well-being. Any modifications to your routine or lifestyle should be made thoughtfully and pragmatically, ensuring that they are sustainable and aligned with your long-term goals. Balancing your aspirations with practical considerations is crucial to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that your pursuit of a joyful tennis life remains a positive and enriching experience. (Got it?)
An easy and somewhat unstructured way to imagine an unconstrained tennis life is by creating a bucket list specific to the sport. Start by identifying the unique experiences you want to have. Ideally, that would include both on and off-court activities. For example, your list can include attending professional matches, meeting tennis legends, or even just taking a tennis-themed vacation. A bucket list filled with things that are difficult to achieve can help you focus your attention on what might truly bring you joy and fulfillment in the sport. Setting and working towards these goals can enrich your tennis journey and create lasting memories.
Setting lofty goals—even those that are never achieved—can spark a journey of discovery that is just as fulfilling as the original objective. As a personal example, someday, I hope to play on the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon. While I don’t have a realistic chance of ever making a main draw at the Grand Slam tournament, there are other possible avenues for me to get on site. One of the most straightforward ways to do it is to establish residency in the UK and simply register to play the Senior National Championship tournament. That event is held annually on the All England Athletic Club grounds. One of the benefits of writing this post is that someone might come forward with another, less onerous way to get there.
Alternatively, you might want to get into peak physical shape and spend a few years trying to become the best tennis player you can be. One path to that could involve retaining a private tennis coach and a personal trainer to improve your technique. Taking that perspective can drive a decision to get off the fence and make an investment rather than just indefinitely wondering if you should take that step.
Thinking big about tennis dreams requires envisioning a future where your passion for the sport propels you to remarkable heights. Beyond personal achievements, yours could be the inspirational journey that inspires others.
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.
