The Split Step of Life: Finding Balance On and Off the Tennis Court
Since leaving my corporate career, I have played a lot of tennis. It brings me joy and has taught me so much about life. Coincidentally, the very skill I teach—learning to "Pause"—is something I'm trying to master in my tennis game.
In tennis, the split step is that crucial moment of balance before deciding where to place the ball. It's a small, often overlooked move that sets the stage for a successful shot. This is incredibly hard to do when I’m at the net, and the ball comes back at me at lightning speed. I find myself just reacting instead of responding. This takes consistent practice and a good coach to give me awareness and teach me when to take that split step. I’m still learning on the tennis court!
Pausing amid Chaos
It's just as important in daily life to take this "split step" or "pause" when we're overwhelmed with everything coming at us so fast. Constant meetings, emails, instant messaging (i.e., Slack or Teams), and time-sensitive deadlines—all coupled with the uncertainty of organizational restructuring and layoffs. In the hybrid work world, sometimes there is no space between our work and home lives. We often cope by living in our heads, with constant ruminating and catastrophizing thoughts.
Do you ever feel like you’re just trying to survive instead of living more intentionally?
From Reaction to Intentional Response
Think about it: in tennis, a well-executed split step ensures you're ready to respond to whatever comes your way. Without it, you'll likely be caught off guard, scrambling to regain control. The same applies at work. When you pause before reacting, you create a moment of balance and clarity, allowing you to make more thoughtful decisions. This practice can reduce stress and burnout, like a tennis player conserving energy for the next big play.
Hitting the Sweet Spot in Life
In tennis, where you place the ball determines your next move and, potentially, the game's outcome. By pausing and assessing the situation, you're not just reacting but making a strategic decision. This translates to improved decision-making, better prioritization, and execution of deliverables.
At Simply Pause, we teach that this strategic pause isn't just for tennis players—it's a game-changer for anyone navigating the daily grind of meetings, deadlines, and decisions. We help individuals and teams cultivate this habit, leading to better prioritization and more effective conversations. Our programs equip you with techniques to integrate this mindful pause into your routine, fostering a calm and focused mindset. Ultimately, this results in more resilience, improved performance, and a more intentional life.
Conclusion: How to Master the Game?
Taking a pause isn’t easy and requires consistent practice with a well-trained coach who can help you gain self-awareness. Ready to transform your life? Create a habit of pausing with us and discover the power of better decision-making and balance. Game, set, match!
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