After spending almost two months in Europe, I am back in California. It was fantastic to be with my family and, as always, bittersweet to say goodbye. On the plane back home, I watched the movie “King Richard” about the rise to fame of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams and their father, Richard. It is an inspiring story about following your dreams, determination, and perseverance. It is packed with lessons we can all learn from
When you fail to plan, you plan to fail (Benjamin Franklin)
Before they were born, Richard planned for his daughters to become tennis legends. He wrote a 78-page plan and claims that most of his goals came true.
You don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else
Richard refused to enlist his daughters in the junior tournaments, the typical path to becoming a tennis star. He decided to wait till they were ready to turn pro.
Don’t try to be like the competition
A reporter asked, “who on tour do you want to play like?” to which Venus answered, “I want other people to want to play like me.”
Be confident but humble
Richard was convinced that his daughters would become tennis stars. Rejection after rejection, he kept searching for a coach till Paul Cohen, coach of McEnroe and Sampras, agreed to train one of the girls. He also built up his girls’ esteem while insisting they stay humble.
Have fun!
Richard taught his daughters that the key to success is to enjoy what you are doing. No matter how important the match is, he is the one shouting, “have fun, Venus!”
I am sure you will enjoy watching this movie and find inspiration always to keep going!