What a Tennis Book Taught Me About Getting Out of My Own Way.
The Obsession
Edition - 024
Welcome to The Obsession, glad you're here.
My latest read is a book titled “The Inner Game of Tennis.”
Although I’m not a tennis player, the book’s focus isn’t solely on the sport. Tennis serves as a medium for Tim Galley, the author, to convey his main point.
The author emphasizes the existence of two selves within each person: self 1, the analytical and judgmental part, and self 2, the natural instinct or muscle memory. When striving to improve at something like tennis, it often becomes a battle between these two selves.
Self 1 tends to hinder progress and make things worse. As a tennis coach, Tim encourages students to be non-judgmental of themselves and learn from observation, allowing self 2 to operate at its best.
This approach represents a modern coaching philosophy that emphasizes learning through observation, similar to how children learn through observation rather than solely relying on instruction.
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t play tennis, but here are some other instances where self 1 can impact us outside of sports:
Imposter syndrome and self-doubt before presentations
Paralysis by analysis when making decisions
Over-editing creative work into mediocrity
Fear of failure preventing us from taking risks
To work towards letting self 2 improve over self 1, we can take the following actions:
Learn through awareness, not correction. Instead of being told, “You’re doing it wrong,” ask yourself, “What did that actually feel like?”
Notice anxiety without judgment, Simply observe, “I’m nervous,” instead of, “I shouldn’t be nervous.”
Trust your accumulated experience and training, rather than second-guessing yourself in the moment.
Focus on the process,of a task rather than dwelling on potential outcomes.
Tim’s point is that our current state and potential are often limited by our own self-imposed obstacles. I’ve personally experienced this, and I believe it’s true for many people.
The questions is, is it true for you too?
THE WEEKLY 3
1) One Question I Asked Myself
Where is self 1 getting in my way right now; at work, in the gym, or in something I'm trying to build?
2) One Idea That Shifted Me
You don't improve by being harder on yourself. You improve by getting out of your own way and letting your experience take over.
3) One Challenge to Take Into Your Week
The next time you catch yourself overthinking or second-guessing, pause and ask: "What did that actually feel like?" Don't judge it. Just observe. Then try again.
