Novak Djokovic’s Self-Discipline

https://www.thestartupbible.com/2024/06/the-great-comeback.html

Because of my father’s influence, I occasionally find myself watching tennis matches — especially those featuring the three most celebrated names in men’s tennis: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. These three players, who once dominated the four Grand Slam tournaments, are no longer quite what they used to be as they enter their forties. Yet Djokovic, unlike the others, still makes the occasional appearance in the semifinals and quarterfinals.

I already knew his playing style was a bit crafty, so I wondered at first whether that had something to do with it. Then I came across a post by Bae Ki-hong, whose newsletter I subscribe to, and realized there was another reason.

Self-discipline.

The physical conditioning to win a major Grand Slam title and then allow himself just a single piece of chocolate — no more. The mental fortitude to lose two sets in a row and then reel off three straight to take the championship. It is precisely this level of rigorous self-management, I think, that causes small, consistent efforts to accumulate and ultimately make all the difference by the time a player reaches his forties.

The same is said to be true in other world-class sporting arenas — MLB, NBA, and beyond. At that level, everyone who has made it to the top league has more or less comparable talent. What separates them is disciplined self-management and mental control.

As someone in a leadership role at Toss, I find there is a great deal here for me to learn. My own self-discipline has been slipping lately, and I think it’s time to tighten the reins once more.