Ep. 239 - Don't Button Up the Mountain

Today we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: the journey over the destination,  and how our approach to it can significantly impact our enjoyment of the game.

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In our quest for improvement, there's a pervasive trend: rapid progression promises. We've all seen them—programs promising to elevate your rating from 3.5 to 4.0 in just 30 days. These promises sound enticing but often set us up for unreasonable expectations and rob us of the joy found in gradual progress.

The Growth and Fulfilment of the Journey

If you were hiking a mountain, would you want to skip the journey and magically appear at the summit? The answer is likely no because the hike itself is where the real beauty lies. It's in the sights, sounds, and experiences along the way. 

Similarly, in pickleball, it's easy to become fixated on reaching a specific rating or winning a medal. But in doing so, we risk missing out on the joy of playing, improving, and connecting with others. 

As you work on your game, remember to celebrate small victories. Perhaps your volleys have improved, or your serve is stronger. These are the flowers and trees along your hike. Even if you never reach the metaphorical "top," the experiences and memories you gather along the way are what truly matter.

In this episode I'll also share with you about a tournament I participated in and observed an undercurrent of stress among players and I'll tell you why I think you shouldn't let the pressure of competition overshadow the fun and camaraderie of the sport.

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